2026 Hajj: Group Urges FG, States to Support Airlines Amid Surge in Aviation Fuel Prices
2026 Hajj: Group Urges FG, States to Support Airlines Amid Surge in Aviation Fuel Prices
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on the Federal Government and state governments to urgently introduce support measures, including possible subsidy arrangements, for airlines engaged in the 2026 Hajj operations following the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the civil society organisation warned that the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel poses a significant threat to the smooth airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
According to the group, the current spike in fuel prices has placed enormous financial pressure on airlines contracted for the Hajj exercise, raising fears of operational disruptions if swift intervention is not implemented.
“Available industry data shows that the rising cost of aviation fuel has created a major financial strain on airlines engaged for the 2026 Hajj. Without timely intervention, the operation could face severe disruptions,” Muhammed said.
Airlines Face Mounting Financial Pressure
The group aligned with concerns earlier raised by aviation stakeholders under the aegis of Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, led by Bukalti Gamawa, who warned that airlines may be forced to operate at a loss.
Muhammed noted that many of the airlines depend on leased aircraft, and the sharp increase in fuel prices for both outbound and return journeys has eroded their projected margins.
“In some cases, operators may be flying at break-even or even at a loss,” he stated.
He revealed that while Jet A1 fuel previously sold at about ₦1,000 per litre when contracts were signed, prices have now surged to nearly ₦3,000 per litre across major departure centres.
“This represents a significant deviation from initial projections,” he added.
Rising Costs Could Impact Pilgrims
The group warned that without government intervention, the financial burden could ultimately be transferred to pilgrims through higher Hajj fares.
It noted that a single Hajj flight consuming approximately 70,000 litres of fuel could now incur additional costs exceeding ₦100 million, depending on location.
Muhammed also highlighted the challenge of return flights, explaining that aviation fuel prices in Saudi Arabia have more than doubled, creating a dual financial burden for operators.
“Even if domestic interventions address outbound flights, airlines still face high fuel costs in dollars for return operations. This must be addressed holistically,” he said.
Call for Policy Intervention
Although the Federal Government no longer provides direct subsidies for Hajj, the organisation stressed that current realities require urgent policy action to safeguard the exercise.
It cited examples from countries such as Indonesia and Pakistan, where governments have stepped in to absorb additional airfare costs for pilgrims due to rising fuel prices.
“The alternative option could have been an increase in Hajj fares, which is practically not feasible at this stage, with airlift operations about to commence,” the statement noted.
The group recommended targeted interventions, including fuel pricing support, improved access to foreign exchange, and strategic supply arrangements for Hajj flights.
Need for Coordinated Response
Independent Hajj Reporters further urged coordinated action among relevant government agencies, regulators, airlines, and fuel suppliers to ensure a seamless 2026 Hajj operation.
“The government must act swiftly to prevent a situation where airlines withdraw or pilgrims are forced to bear excessive cost increases,” Muhammed said.
The organisation emphasised that timely intervention would be critical to maintaining stability in Hajj operations and protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
By TimesNG