The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has recorded significant progress in the 2025 Hajj airlift exercise, successfully transporting 19% of the total intending Nigerian pilgrims within the first three days of operations. This mark a remarkable improvement compared to the 9% airlifted during the same period in 2024.
According to the Commission, Air Peace has completed the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, flying 559 out of the 564 registered pilgrims. Max Air has also concluded its operations for Oyo State, conveying 1,083 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims from Imo and Abia States have also been successfully airlifted, except for a few individuals who failed to show up during the inaugural flight. NAHCON has assured that these pilgrims will be accommodated in upcoming mop-up flights.
For Nasarawa State, which has 944 pilgrims, UMZA Air is concluding its operations, with the final flight already on the ground and preparing for departure.
Looking ahead, UMZA Air is scheduled to begin the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims on May 14, operating back-to-back flights. FlyNas is expected to commence airlift operations for Sokoto State on May 13 and is tentatively scheduled to begin transporting Abuja pilgrims by May 16. Air Peace will begin airlifting pilgrims from Borno State on May 18.
The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, commended the airlines, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and other stakeholders for their cooperation and coordination, which have ensured a smooth and timely movement of pilgrims so far.
The 2025 Hajj airlift began with optimism and is on track to surpass previous records, reflecting NAHCON’s renewed commitment to efficient service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
