Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have opened fresh talks to review their Bilateral Air Services Agreement, as both countries move to strengthen aviation ties and improve arrangements ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.
According to a statement made available to The PUNCH by the ministry on Tuesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation to high-level meetings in Riyadh with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, and the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.
The discussions focused on updating the existing BASA framework to reflect current realities in global aviation, while also addressing key operational issues affecting airlines from both countries, particularly in relation to the annual Hajj airlift.
Both countries agreed on the need to review the existing agreement to ensure it delivers fairness, efficiency, and mutual benefit.
He said, “The discussions centred on critical BASA and diplomatic matters aimed at improving cooperation between both countries in the aviation sector.
“Both parties agreed on the need to review the existing BASA framework to reflect present-day realities and evolving dynamics in global aviation.”
The agreement is targeted at ensuring a smooth journey for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims, ticket availability and flight schedules, and an overall travel experience.
Beyond BASA, both countries also revisited the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding, especially the sharing formula for the annual airlift of pilgrims by designated airlines.
The review, the statement noted, is expected to address concerns around equity and efficiency in the allocation of passengers.
“The review of the MoU is intended to ensure fairness, efficiency, and mutual benefit for both countries,” the statement reads.
Keyamo’s delegation, which included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, also pushed for better slot allocation for Nigerian carriers and improved operational conditions to support seamless Hajj operations.
The statement further read, “Other key issues discussed included the allocation of slots to Nigerian designated carriers for the 2026 Hajj operations, as well as the determination of the percentage of pilgrims to be airlifted by airlines from both countries.
“The meetings also addressed operational concerns affecting Nigerian airlines, with a focus on enhancing their performance.”
The minister, however, expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for their continued cooperation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation standards and stronger bilateral partnerships.
Decisions reached at the meetings, particularly those affecting the 2026 Hajj operations, have been communicated to the designated airlines for immediate implementation, signalling early preparations for what is often one of the busiest travel periods for Nigerian carriers.
