Hajj 2025: 32,549 Pilgrims Airlifted so far - NAHCON

 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has successfully airlifted no fewer than 32,549 pilgrims so far.

The figure, according to the commission, is more than 79 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.

Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, in a statement , said the Commission said it had airlifted the intending pilgrims through 79 flights since the airlift officially began on May 9.

Usara explained that several states, including Adamawa and Plateau, had completed their airlift operations, while others like Bauchi, Jigawa and Gombe, as well as the Federal Capital Territory would wrap up before the end of Wednesday.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise. This development was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9th, 2025.

“Many states have concluded their airlift operations, including Adamawa and Plateau. Those with one flight only to complete their operations today include Bauchi and Gombe States, with 30 pilgrims each left to be airlifted. Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim airlift today. Kwara State, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.

“Meanwhile, Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23rd, marking the last phase of the airlift for the area,” she said.

According to her, no single flight has been cancelled since the beginning of the airlift operations.

She noted that while there have been occasional delays, these were intentionally scheduled for operational reasons, not due to logistical failures.

“Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded since the airlift began. 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.

“Such cleanup procedures are standard operational routines following the vacating of rooms during the Hajj season. This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but causes misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover,” she stated.

NAHCON thanked the intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, while reaffirming its resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.