Abuja: The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 27 316 out of 41,668 pilgrims have so far been transported back to Nigeria
The commission announced that the final inbound transportation of Nigerian pilgrims will be rescheduled for 2nd July due to unforeseen disruptions.
NAHCON stated this in a statement issued by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Abuja on Thursday.
Usara said, “NAHCON wishes to inform the public, particularly 2025 Hajj pilgrims, their families and stakeholders, that the return leg Hajj airlift operations have improved significantly with carriers securing an increase in slot allocations.
“Nigeria’s carriers have since 22nd June been allocated up to seven flights per day at the ratio of 2-2-2-1.”
The NAHCON spokesperson stated that the general pace of operations had been slower than anticipated due to post-Hajj airspace congestion and flight cancellations for various reasons.
“However, despite the increase in slots, the return airlift of pilgrims may not be concluded by 28th June as earlier projected.
“This may not be possible until Tuesday, 2nd July 2025- approximately six days away, barring any further unforeseen disruptions.
“Out of the total 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, over 27 316 have already been transported back to Nigeria.”
According to her, this number excludes the many who returned to the country through regular flights due to urgent demands at home.
“Of the remaining number of pilgrims, Max Air has 6,019 with an aircraft capacity of 1,120 daily, having two wide-bodied aircraft with 560 seats each.
“UMZA Aviation Services is left with 4,850 passengers divided between two aircraft with 484 seat capacity and 312 totalling 796.
“FlyNas has 2,480 pilgrims left with a carriage capacity of 819 passengers daily.
“Air Peace is left with 1 635 pilgrims with an aircraft of 315,” she said.
According to her, NAHCON remains determined to facilitate the earliest possible return for all pilgrims.