File photo of hajj pilgrims from Nigeria
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has completed the airlift of intending pilgrims from Kogi, Oyo, Imo and Abia states.
In a statement issued on Monday, Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s assistant director of information and publication, said the airlift for the 2025 hajj has recorded “a notable improvement” compared to last year’s exercise.
Usara said the commission airlifted 19 percent of pilgrims within the first three days of the operation, as against nine percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
“Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi state pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled,” the statement reads.
Advertisement
“Similarly, Max Air has completed the airlift of Oyo state pilgrims, with a total of 1,083 pilgrims successfully conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Imo and Abia states have also completed their operations, with the exception of a few ‘no-show” pilgrims during the inaugural flight. These will be accommodated in the mop-up flights later in the exercise.
“Within three days of commencement, the commission has successfully airlifted 19 per cent of the total intending pilgrims.
Advertisement
“This marks a notable improvement from the 9 per cent airlift within the same period in 2024.”
Usara said that UMZA will begin the airlift of Kaduna pilgrims on May 14 and operate back-to-back flights until completion.
She said FlyNas will begin transporting Sokoto pilgrims on May 13, adding that Air Peace will start Borno flights on May 18 after Abuja’s on May 16.
“NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman commends the performance of the airlines, the State Pilgrims’ Boards and other stakeholders for their cooperation that facilitated the smooth and timely movement of pilgrims,” she added.
Advertisement
A total of 64,188 Nigerians are expected to take part in this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
