The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has revealed that it has airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
This development, according to a statement signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara and issued on Wednesday, was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9, 2025.
The statement reads in part: “Many states have concluded their airlift operations including Adamawa and Plateau, those with one flights 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 (Wednesday).
“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.
“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 vacation 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.”;;
The NAHCON commended the Nigerian intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, and reaffirmed its resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.
