HAJJ 2025: NAHCON TO BEGIN AIRLIFT OF 71, 274 PILGRIMS MAY 5, ALLOCATES AIRLINES FOR PILGRIMAGE
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj will commence on May 5, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, the commission disclosed that 71,274 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
To ensure an efficient airlift process, NAHCON has allocated the responsibility among four airlines.
According to the official allocation document, Max Air Ltd received the largest share, transporting 23,343 pilgrims, followed closely by Flynas with 22,893 pilgrims.
Umza Air Ltd will carry 15,893 pilgrims, while Air Peace has been assigned 9,145 pilgrims.
The commission also released an allocation map, detailing the specific states assigned to each airline.
This structured approach aims to facilitate a smooth and organized transportation process for Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Recall that the Federal Government had approved four air carriers—Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited—for the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The commission said the carriers were selected out of the 11 companies that submitted applications for the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON said the air carriers were screened and shortlisted by a team of 32 members that were inaugurated by the commission’s chairman on November 26, 2024.
Similarly, three excess cargo carriers were selected for this year’s Hajj operations.
They are Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargozeal Technology Limited, and Qualla Investment Limited.
The Aviation Screening Committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three members from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
