The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has confirmed successful airlift of 32,549 pilgrims, representing over 77 percent of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
This was contained in a press release signed by the NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Wednesday.
Usara, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed that the development was achieved through 79 flights, operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on Friday, May 9, 2025.
She added that many states have concluded their airlift operations including Adamawa and Plateau, those with one flight only to complete their operations today (Wednesday) include: Bauchi and Gombe states, with 30 pilgrims each left to be airlifted.
Similarly, Usara clarified that Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory 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.
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She indicated that Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23, 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 causes misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover, Usara added.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has thanked the Nigerian intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill , patience and prayers, reaffirming its resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.
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