2025 Hajj: About 20% intending Pilgrims are yet to be airlifted

…FCT, Kwara, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa to conclude airlift today.

By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka

Abuja

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that about 20 percent of Nigerian intending pilgrims are yet to be airlifted as the airlift operations close in two days.

According to NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publication Fatima Sanda Usara, in a statement earlier today, the “Commission 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.”

The Hajj management body added that “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 vacation of rooms during the Hajj season. This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but cause misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover.”

NAHCON thanks the Nigerian intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, and reaffirms the Commission’s resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.