By JIMOH BABATUNDE
LAGOS—To ensure a hitch-free hajj operations this year, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA,   met with the five airlines designated for the airlift of 100,000 pilgrims to  King Abdul Azzez International Airport Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Sam Adurogboye, NCAA, Head of Public Relations, in a statement,  said NCAA Director- General, Dr. Harold Demuren, held a crucial meeting with  stakeholders responsible for the airlift of pilgrims on how to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

No fewer than 100,000 prospective moslems would  be airlifted to the Holy land from October, 2, and run for three weeks as against last year’s 34,000 airlifted to and from Medina.

Issues discussed at the meeting, included the status of airports to be used and the navigational aids, security and facilitation, ground handling arrangements, and number of aircraft on ground.

Other issues discussed were flight slots and schedule matching slots, indebtedness to agencies, availability and arrangement for the supply of fuel, evidence of contractual agreement /MOUs with the select carriers among others.

The designated airlines are Max Airline, MedView Airline, Kabo Air, Meridian Airline and Trade Craft Nigeria Limited.