Nigeria has recorded a new feat in the ongoing Hajj 2025 operations with the airlift of 19 per cent of intending pilgrims in just three days.
Within same period last year 2024, only 9 per cent of intending pilgrims were airlifted, Muslim News gathered.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) called the development a remarkable progress in a press statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division.
Recall that the Commission only had its inaugural flight last Friday in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Usara said successful airlift of pilgrims has been recorded in Kogi, Oyo, Abia, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and a host of other states, including the federal capital territory, Abuja.
“Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled. Similarly, Max Air has completed the airlift of Oyo State pilgrims with a total of 1,083 pilgrims successfully conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Imo and Abia States have also completed their operations, with the exception of a few “no-show” pilgrims during the inaugural flight. These will be accommodated in the mop-up flights later in the exercise,” the statement read.
It added that for Nasarawa State with 944 pilgrims, UMZA Air is concluding its operations currently with the final flight already on the ground, preparing for takeoff.
“Going forward, UMZA Air is scheduled to begin the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims on 14th May and will operate back-to-back flights. FlyNas will commence the airlift of Sokoto pilgrims by 13th May and, barring any changes, will begin operations for Abuja pilgrims on 16th May. Air Peace is slated to begin the transportation of Borno pilgrims on 18th May.”
Reacting to the development, NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman commended the performance of the airlines.
He also appreciated the State Pilgrims’ Boards and other stakeholders for their cooperation that facilitated the smooth and timely movement of the pilgrims.
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