The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has finalized plans to begin transporting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with the inaugural flight scheduled for May 9. At a meeting held in Abuja with the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and airline representatives, the commission confirmed that all return flights must be completed by July 2.
The meeting reviewed each state’s readiness in visa processing, vaccination, luggage distribution, and other essentials. NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, emphasized the urgency of final preparations and asked the states to provide updates on their progress.
Airline allocations have also been confirmed. Air Peace will transport 5,128 pilgrims from multiple states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Borno. FlyNas is responsible for airlifting 12,506 pilgrims from Lagos, FCT, and other locations, using nine aircraft for the operation. Max Air will carry 15,203 pilgrims from northern states such as Kano and Katsina, with two aircraft assigned—a B747 with 400 seats and another with 560 seats. Umza Aviation will handle 10,163 pilgrims from states like Kaduna and Yobe, using a B747 (477 seats) and a B777 (310 seats).
The airlift schedule is based on a total of 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims. May 24 is the target date to complete all outbound flights. Inbound flights are expected to begin on June 13, with the last return flight scheduled for July 2.
Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning and Information, also shared that medical clinics have been secured in both Makkah and Madinah. Yellow Cards have been distributed to all states. He reminded state officials not to register pregnant women for the pilgrimage.
