Emergency Landing: NAHCON, Max Air Assure of Smooth Continuation of Hajj Movements
AREWA AGENDA – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reacted to the near mishap involving Max Air Plane conveying Jigawa Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia which went through emergency landing in Kano.
The aircraft which conveyed 554 pilgrims and 21 crew members had departed the Dutse International Airport at exactly 4:45 pm on Wednesday.
The Boeing B747 5N-HMM aircraft however diverted to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on emergency landing, few minutes after take-off.
NAHCON in a press statement signed by its Asst Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Thursday acknowledged that a technical hitch affected one of the Commission’s contracted air carriers conveying Jigawa State pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.
“The hitch, which was caused by uncontrollable natural circumstance; turbulence as a result of heavy rainfall, forced the aircraft to land temporarily in the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
“While the occurrence caused an inevitable delay, no doubt, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, assures Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those affected by the unavoidable development, that the situation has been well managed and will not derail the movement of pilgrims for the Hajj. At the time of writing this release, NAHCON had already concluded arrangements for rescue operation for any delayed or cancelled flight that would hinder the smooth transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia,” the statement read in part.
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The Commission also assured that despite minor challenges, the airlifting of pilgrims has been going on smoothly while some states already have all their pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
“For Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, airlift of their pilgrims have been concluded while other states are recording steady progress as well. It would be recalled that National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), had increased the number of its air carriers to five this year.
“The operation is going on as planned with back-up measures put in place in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, intending pilgrims are enjoined to remain in a state of readiness at all times for imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
“NAHCON will keep the public updated with necessary information on the progress of the operation,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, officials of Max Air have also been speaking on the emergency landing in Kano, saying it is no cause for alarm.
A manager with the Airline, Bello Ramadan, said that the reroute was necessitated by thunderstorm and lightening that struck the aircraft.
“The problem is not as much as the passengers are reporting, some of them are panicking and reporting what did not happen, the airplane’s engine and tires are in perfect condition.
“We have provided an alternative plane to continue the journey, the plane is about fueling, and the passengers are okay, even though some of them are panicking but there is no cause for alarm.
“It was a thunder strike that affected the left side screen, thank God it was mere scratch and not broken and the pilot decided to return. Very soon they will continue with the journey,” Ramandan assured.
