Abuja – The spill over effect of the ongoing crises in Sudan is now manifesting in Nigeria as Representatives of local airlines selected to airlift muslim pilgrims to this hajj in Saudi Arabia have refused to sign contract agreement with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The airlines refused to sign the contract agreement in Abuja on Thursday.
The local airlines cited the ongoing crises in Sudan as an excuse for their action.
They said that they needed to consult within and outside the country before signing the agreement.
The local airlines involved are Air Peace, Azman Air, Max Air, and Aero Contractors.
The signing of the airlift agreement, was consequently shifted to next week Tuesday.
However, the only foreign airline among them, Fly Nas, signed the agreement.
The airline is allocated to fly over 28,000 pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia for the hajj exercise.
The Sudan airspace, which has been shut as result of the conflict is the shortest route from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Taking another route would be costly and require a review of the hajj fare pilgrims will have to pay.(vitalnewsngr.com)