By The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj will begin on May 9 and conclude on May 24. This was decided after a meeting between NAHCON and the Executive Secretaries of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, where preparations were reviewed.
Speaking at the session, NAHCON chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, said, “The Hajj industry is in the final phase of preparations.” He urged state boards to update the commission on critical aspects like visa processing, vaccination status, luggage readiness, and other logistics.
NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, revealed the distribution of airlines across states. He noted that Air Peace will handle 5,128 pilgrims, covering states like Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, and even members of the Armed Forces.
FlyNas is expected to airlift 12,506 pilgrims from the FCT, Lagos, Kebbi, Zamfara, Ogun, Osun, and Sokoto States. According to NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Usara, the airline will use nine aircraft for its operations.
Meanwhile, Max Air will handle the largest group—15,203 pilgrims—from Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Jigawa, Kwara, Plateau, and Oyo States. The airline plans to use two planes, including a Boeing 747 and a 560-capacity aircraft, and will complete its operations by May 24.
Umza Air will be responsible for 10,163 pilgrims from states such as Kaduna, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe. Their fleet will include a B747 with 477 seats and a B777 with 310 seats, ensuring all pilgrims are transported within the designated schedule.
