Arik promises to airlift stranded intending pilgrims in 24 hours

Arik promises to airlift stranded intending pilgrims in 24 hours

Arik Air says it will within 24 hours resume airlift of intending pilgrims stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The Saudi-bound pilgrims have been sleeping at the airport for the past four days, according to a report by Daily Trust.

Some private tour operators had contracted Arik Air to convey the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Arik in a statement on Saturday appealed to the pilgrims for understanding, adding that the delay was being addressed.

The statement by Arik Air media consultant, Mr. Simon Tumba, read, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) selected Arik Air as the carrier to work with the tour operators for this year’s hajj exercise.

“The airline was allocated about 10,000 pilgrims spread across Abuja, Lagos and Kano. We commenced the airlift of pilgrims in both Abuja and Lagos on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 and we have carried 374 passengers to date.

“The issues involved in the smooth operation of the airlift are currently being addressed by all parties involved, Arik Air, NAHCON and the tour operators.

“We hereby assure the pilgrims that as soon as we resolve the issues within the next 24 hours, the airlift will resume simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and Kano.”