The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that it has successfully airlifted over 9,000 Nigerian pilgrim, representing 19% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, within the first three days of operations.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara.
The development marks a significant improvement from the 9% recorded within the same period during the 2024 Hajj operations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima flagged off the 2025 Hajj airlift at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Imo State on May 9, marking the airport’s first international operation.
This year, a total of 64,188 pilgrims are expected to be airlifted to the Holy Land.
According to the commission, flight operators have concluded the airlift of pilgrims from Kogi, Oyo, Imo, and Abia States, with the exception of a few “no-show” pilgrims who will be accommodated in mop-up flights.
“Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled,” the statement read. “Max Air has completed the airlift of Oyo State pilgrims with 1,083 pilgrims successfully conveyed to Saudi Arabia. Imo and Abia States have also completed their operations, with the exception of a few no-shows during the inaugural flight.”
UMZA Air is currently concluding operations for Nasarawa State’s 944 pilgrims, with the final flight already on the ground preparing for take-off.
The airline is scheduled to commence airlifting Kaduna State pilgrims on May 14 with back-to-back flights.
FlyNas will begin the airlift of Sokoto pilgrims on May 13, and, barring any schedule changes, will commence operations for Abuja pilgrims on May 16.
Air Peace is expected to begin transporting Borno State pilgrims on May 18.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, commended the airlines, State Pilgrims’ Boards, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a smooth and timely start to the 2025 Hajj operations.
This year, each pilgrim paid an average of N8.4m for the pilgrimage, amounting to a total of N539.1bn.
While the final outbound flight is expected to depart Nigeria on May 24, return flights will begin on June 13 and end on July 2, 2025.
As of press time, NAHCON confirmed the successful completion of 23 flights, with 9,207 pilgrims already airlifted to Madinah.
