Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified consultations with the Presidency over the ongoing surge in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices, in a bid to prevent a possible increase in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

The development comes amid growing concern that the sharp rise in fuel prices could significantly increase airline operating costs just days before the commencement of outbound airlift operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the time the Hajj airlift contracts were signed with four approved airlines—Max Air, Air Peace, Umza Air Services, and Saudi-based FlyNas—Jet A1 was reportedly priced at about ₦1,000 per litre. However, the commodity has now surged to as high as ₦3,000 per litre in some locations, raising fears of potential fare adjustments.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, confirmed that the commission has formally written to the Presidency seeking urgent intervention over the rising cost of aviation fuel and its potential impact on the Hajj exercise.

According to her, the Presidency responded by requesting detailed information on the quantity of Jet A1 required by each of the airlines involved in the airlift operation. She added that the airlines have since submitted the requested data, which has been forwarded back to the Presidency for further consideration.

READ ALSO:

• Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race
• 2027: Shehu Sani Picks APC Senatorial Form, Joins Kaduna Central Race
• Trump Image to Appear in Special US Passports for America250 Celebration

Usara also disclosed that NAHCON’s leadership has been actively engaging relevant federal authorities. She said the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Amb. Ismaila Abba Yusuf, recently met with the President’s Economic Adviser, alongside officials from the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum, to discuss possible solutions to the crisis.

The discussions, she explained, focused on how to cushion the impact of rising Jet A1 prices on Hajj operations and ensure that intending pilgrims are not burdened with additional costs at this critical stage of preparations.

She assured that NAHCON remains committed to delivering a smooth and hitch-free 2026 Hajj exercise despite the prevailing challenges in the aviation sector.

“The commission has put all necessary plans in place to ensure a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has said that pilgrims registered under private tour operators are unlikely to be affected by any fare increase.

AHUON President, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ekundayo, explained that private operators had already paid for flight tickets and secured bookings for their clients, adding that no airline had communicated any additional charges.

A private tour operator who spoke anonymously also confirmed that fares for privately sponsored pilgrims had already been settled, making it unlikely for the fuel price increase to affect them at this stage.

However, aviation and Hajj stakeholders have warned that the situation could still impact overall operations if urgent intervention is not provided.

The National Coordinator of the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), Ibrahim Muhammad, said the sharp rise in Jet A1 prices could disrupt airlift arrangements unless both federal and state governments step in to cover the gap between earlier cost projections and current fuel prices.

He added that increasing Hajj fares at this stage would be difficult and could create further challenges for intending pilgrims.

Similarly, aviation stakeholders under the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders group warned that airlines may struggle to operate efficiently due to rising costs, stressing that without government support, the burden may eventually fall on pilgrims or the operators.

With the commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift approaching, attention is now focused on the Federal Government’s response as NAHCON continues high-level negotiations to stabilize costs and prevent disruptions to the pilgrimage exercise.

Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares