NAHCON Exceeds Expectations in Early 2025 Hajj Airlift

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reported a highly successful start to its 2025 Hajj airlift operations, having already transported 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the first five days. 

This figure represents an impressive 34.4% of the total number of pilgrims expected to be airlifted for this year's pilgrimage.

The significant progress was highlighted in an official update released on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of Information and Publication at NAHCON. 

The update detailed that a total of 35 flights have been successfully operated thus far. This achievement marks a considerable improvement compared to the same period last year, during which 23 flights conveyed 9,788 pilgrims, representing just 20.2% of the total.

NAHCON proudly announced that four states – Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa – have already completed the airlift of their pilgrims. Additionally, Ondo and Ekiti States are nearing completion, with a combined airlift operation planned to finalize their pilgrims' journey to the Holy Land. Notably, the airlift has proceeded remarkably smoothly, with no flight cancellations recorded. 

In an exceptional instance, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State even arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of its scheduled time, a feat lauded by the Commission.

The Commission attributed this operational success to the strong collaboration between the various State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the strategic decision to engage four airlines for this year’s airlift exercise. 

NAHCON also expressed its gratitude to the Saudi Arabian authorities for their crucial support in releasing the full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which has been instrumental in ensuring meticulous planning and adherence to timelines.

As per the agreed arrangements, all incoming flights are currently landing at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The initial groups of pilgrims who have arrived in the Kingdom proceeded to Makkah on Wednesday to commence their Umrah rites, specifically for those undertaking the Hajj al-Tamattu’ or Hajj al-Qiran.

In a related announcement, NAHCON addressed the issue of Hajj visas, clarifying that no official visas were issued to Nigeria by Saudi Arabia for the 2025 pilgrimage. The Commission urged the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals or entities claiming to possess or sell such visas.

Furthermore, NAHCON reiterated that only licensed Tour Operators are authorized to register pilgrims for the Hajj, cautioning against fraudulent activities and urging prospective pilgrims to verify the legitimacy of any agent they engage with.

NAHCON assured the Nigerian public of its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the Hajj operations. The Commission also expressed its appreciation for the continued interest and support of Nigerians and pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of the ongoing airlift.