By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successful airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 77.4% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

This development was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9th, 2025, according to a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara Assistant Director, Information and Publication on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Many states have concluded their airlift operations including Adamawa and Plateau, those with one flights only to complete their operations today include Bauchi and Gombe States, with 30 pilgrims each left to be airlifted.

Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim airlift today. Kwara State, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23rd, marking the last phase of the airlift for the area.

Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded since the airlift began. However, deliberate minor delays were arranged to allow for the proper clean-up and decongestion of hotels in Madinah especially with the surge in arrivals.

Such cleanup procedures are standard operational routines following vacation of rooms during the Hajj season.

This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but cause misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover.

While thanking Nigerian Muslim community for their patience and prayers, the Commission reaffirmed its resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.

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