Nigerian airlines granted approval to airlift pilgrims for the 2023 hajj are likely to demand an increase in the fare due to the current war in Sudan.
The airspace in the war-ravaged country has been shut and no flights are allowed in and out of the area.
Airlines airlifting pilgrims from sub-Sahara preferring that route to Saudi Arabia will have to opt for another route, which will cost more.
In April, NAHCON fixed the minimum fare at N2.88m for this year’s hajj and the highest at N3.2m.
Already, four airlines on Thursday refused to sign a letter of agreement with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the airlift.
It named the airlines as Air Peace, Azman Air, Max Air and Aero Contractors.
The signing of the airlift agreement was thereafter postponed till Tuesday next week as the airlines want to consult their superiors on the matter.
Only foreign airline among them, Fly Nas, signed the agreement as it was allocated over 28,000 pilgrims which represent 40 per recent of the pilgrims.