NAHCON Confirms Successful Airlifting Of 79% Of Pilgrims For 2025 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully transported 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

This was disclosed in a statement by Hajiya Fatima Usara, the Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on Wednesday in Madina.

According to the statement, the airlift operations, which commenced on May 9, have successfully carried pilgrims on 79 flights since the first flight was launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Owerri, Imo.

Usara said, “These states include Bauchi and Gombe States, with 30 pilgrims each left to be transported.”

Usara also stated, “Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim transportation today.”

She added, “Kwara, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.”

“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.”

She further explained, “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.”

The NAHCON spokesperson clarified that such cleanup procedures were part of standard operational routines following the vacation of rooms during the Hajj season.