By Usman Gwadabe
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a remarkable progress in the ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj as within three days of commencement, the Commission has successfully airlifted 19 percent of the total intending pilgrims.
A statement issued by Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara on Monday said this development marks a notable improvement from the nine percent airlifted within the same period in 2024.
According to the statement so far Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled.
Fatima added that 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.
She further revealed that Imo and Abia States also completed their operations, with the exception of a few “no-show” pilgrims during the inaugural flight.
“For Nasarawa State with 944 pilgrims , UMZA Air is concluding its operations currently with the final flight already on the ground, preparing for takeoff,” the assistant Director noted.
Fatima added that”Going forward, UMZA Air is scheduled to begin the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims on 14th May and will operate back-to-back flights.
” FlyNas will commence the airlift of Sokoto pilgrims by 13th May and, barring any changes, will begin operations for Abuja pilgrims on 16th May. Air Peace is slated to begin the transportation of Borno pilgrims on 18th May.
“NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman commended the performance of the airlines, the state Pilgrims’ Boards and other stakeholders for their cooperation that facilitated the smooth and timely movement of pilgrims,” the statement concluded.
