By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has shifted the final date for the return of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, citing operational improvements and logistical realities.

According to a statement released on Thursday, June 26, 2026, by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication for the Commission, return flights have picked up pace following an increase in daily flight slots for Nigerian carriers.

“Since June 22, Nigerian carriers have been allocated up to seven flights per day using a 2-2-2-1 ratio,” the statement read. The improved scheduling is helping to ease the delays caused by post-Hajj airspace congestion and previous flight cancellations.

However, NAHCON said the airlift may not be concluded by the earlier target date of June 28, 2025. A new projected completion date of Tuesday, July 2, 2025, has been set, pending any further disruptions.

Out of the 41,668 pilgrims originally transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 pilgrimage, 27,316 have so far returned home. This figure excludes those who flew back on commercial flights for urgent personal reasons.

A breakdown of the remaining pilgrims shows:

Max Air still has 6,019 pilgrims to airlift, with two wide-bodied aircraft providing a combined daily capacity of 1,120 seats.

UMZA Aviation Services has 4,850 pilgrims left, using two aircraft with a total of 796 daily seats.

FlyNas a Saudi carrier, has 2,480 pilgrims remaining, with a daily lift capacity of 819 passengers.

Air Peace has 1,635 pilgrims to airlift using a 315-seater aircraft.

NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all pilgrims return safely and as early as possible. “The Commission is working with all stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations,” Usara said.