They squarely blamed Arik Air for its failure to adhere to the scheduled flights.

The situation had a severe impact on the operations of numerous international Hajj operators within the Lagos zone of the Association for Hajj And Umrah Operators Of Nigeria. Since Tuesday, many intending pilgrims had been forced to sleep at mosques and various open areas around the airport.

A visit to the new MMIA terminal on Wednesday and Thursday revealed hundreds of pilgrims gathered around the entrance, visibly frustrated and helpless. They lamented the lack of comfort and convenience they had been enduring for several days.

Reports indicated that the intending pilgrims were considering staging a protest at the airline's office to express their dissatisfaction with the treatment they had received.

It is worth noting that Arik Air is among the carriers accredited by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for the 2023 Hajj exercise.

In response to the situation, a statement from Arik Air's PR & Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, acknowledged that the issues were being addressed.

The statement mentioned that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had selected Arik Air as the carrier to collaborate with tour operators for this year's Hajj exercise. The airline had been assigned around 10,000 pilgrims distributed across Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.

“We commenced the airlift of pilgrims in both Abuja and Lagos on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 and we have carried 374 passengers to date. The issues involved in the smooth operation of the airlift are currently being addressed by all parties involved; Arik Air, NAHCON and the Tour Operators.”

Arik Air in the statement assured the pilgrims that as soon as they “resolve the issues within the next 24 hours, the airlift will resume simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and Kano.”

It added, “We appeal for the understanding of all concerned and apologise for the inconvenience the slow pace of airlift may have caused the intending pilgrims and all the parties involved.”