…As June 22 schedule for pilgrims return
From Usman Gwadabe, Makkah
The final flight for the 2024 Hajj outbound operations has took off from Abuja today, the Federal Capital Territory to Madinah.
The airlift combines about 211 remaining pilgrims from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Niger states and Federal Capital Territory.
Similarly included in the FlyNas flight are the last batch of officials for the 2024 Hajj.
This flight marks the end of the year’s Hajj outbound airlift to Makkah for state quota pilgrims.
However, Aero Contractors will end its airlift of Private Tour Operators pilgrims later today.
All other Private Tour Operators are expected to conclude conveyance of their pilgrims before closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for all inbound Hajj airlift operations, as contained in a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director/Public Affairs and made available to The Triumph.
Meanwhile, according to the statement, the return journey for the 2024 Hajj is slated to commence on June 22, 2024 based on first-in-first-out basis.
“This was revealed during a press briefing marking the end of the 2024 Hajj operations conducted today in the Hajj House NAHCON office in Abuja. It was revealed that slots for the return journey have been secured by all airlines.
“Among the achievements listed by the NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, is the successful completion of airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia 72 hours before announcement of the deadline set by Saudi authorities for the season. In the same vein, the Commission also achieved 100% movement of pilgrims to Madinah pre-Arafat.
The chairman meanwhile commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the critical support they offered to ensure a successful Hajj operation and promised that the Commission will reciprocate by doing its bid in ensuring a smooth Hajj exercise.
“While noting the positive contribution provided by the media, the chairman commended them for their dogged reportage of the exercise.
“The chairman appreciated the pilgrims for their resilience and determination despite the odds. He concluded by restating NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Nigeria’s pilgrims in the best humanly way,” the statement concluded.
