2025 hajj: NAHCON airlifts over 77% of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) today informed that it had airlifted 32,549 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, representing 77.4% of the total of those who registered for the spiritual exercise this year in a total of 79 flights.

This is contained in a statement on the update on the ongoing outbound airlift operation signed by NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja.

According to her, “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.

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“This development was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9th, 2025.”

She informed that many states had concluded their airlift operations, including Adamawa and Plateau, while Bauchi and Gombe states, with 30 pilgrims each left, had one flight only to complete their operations.

“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,” she stated.

While stating that there has been no flight cancellation since the beginning of the outbound operation on May 9, Usara stated that there were minor delays purposely arranged “to allow for the proper clean up and decongestion of hotels in Madinah.”

She submitted that such clean up procedures were standard operational routines following vacation of rooms during the Hajj season.

“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,” she stated.

Usara then expressed NAHCON’s appreciation to the Nigerian Muslim community for its patience and prayers and reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim. 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE