The Federal Government is reviewing the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to help Nigerian airlines secure more flight slots for Hajj pilgrim transport. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo says the review follows consultations with aviation and Hajj-related stakeholders on Nigeria’s airlift planning.
The outlets report that the goal is to improve Nigeria’s capacity to move pilgrims during the Hajj period by adjusting how air services are arranged under the existing framework. The coverage focuses on the agreement review itself and the expectation that it could lead to increased slot availability for Nigerian carriers. While details of any proposed changes are not fully specified in the reports, the government’s announcement frames the effort as part of broader coordination to strengthen Hajj aviation logistics.
Both sources describe the same core action, timeline, and objective: Nigeria examines the 1978 air service deal with Saudi Arabia to expand airlift opportunities for Nigerian airlines during Hajj.
