All Nigerian pilgrims will return by June 28, says NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says all Nigerian pilgrims will be back in the country by June 28 despite current delays.

A statement on Wednesday by Fatima Usara, assistant director of information and publication, said the slow pace of return flights is due to limited airport landing slots, as several countries are trying to repatriate their pilgrims at the same time.

The spokesperson said Nigeria was not given enough flight slots for its large pilgrim population, adding that talks with Saudi authorities are ongoing to secure better schedules.

“Please note that the fewer trips being experienced presently in the return airlift is due to the normal peak season air traffic in Saudi Arabia,” the statement reads.

“The commission has planned to return all pilgrims by 28th June 2025 and remains determined to do so.

“During this period, all countries are trying to return their pilgrims at the same time, and this creates a heavy demand for airport slots.

“These slots are managed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia, and currently, Nigeria has not been allocated as many slots as needed to move its large number of pilgrims quickly.

“In view of this, the three major stakeholders in the airlift operation have mapped out strategies to increase the number of slots to the country.

“It is hoped that active discussions with the Saudi authorities will facilitate an increase in the flight slots.

“FlyNas is the only airline presently running two flights per day. NAHCON’s plan is to seek more convenient slots for UMZA Aviation, Air Peace and Max Air.

“With large bodied aircraft, the pace of the return journey will increase significantly, and more flights will be scheduled daily.”

The commission thanked pilgrims and officials for their patience, assuring them that it was working with state boards to fast-track their return.