By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has recorded remarkable progress in the ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, successfully airlifting 19% of the total intending pilgrims within the first three days. This is a significant improvement compared to the 9% airlifted during the same period in 2024.

Air Peace has completed the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled.

Max Air also concluded the airlift of Oyo State pilgrims, conveying 1,083 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Imo and Abia States have wrapped up their operations, except for a few ?no-show? pilgrims during the inaugural flight who will be accommodated in mop-up flights.

Nasarawa State?s 944 pilgrims are currently being airlifted by UMZA Air, with the final flight on standby for takeoff.

The Commission has also outlined upcoming schedules for other states. UMZA Air will commence the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims on May 14, operating back-to-back flights. FlyNas is expected to begin the airlift of Sokoto pilgrims on May 13 and will proceed to Abuja pilgrims on May 16, subject to any changes. Air Peace will begin transporting Borno pilgrims on May 18.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has commended the airlines, State Pilgrims? Boards, and other stakeholders for their cooperation, which has facilitated a smooth and timely operation.

Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication for the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, provided this update in a press statement on behalf of the Commission on Monday, May 12, 2025.

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