The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the successful airlift of 1,622 Nigerian pilgrims to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of the 2025 Hajj operations.
The inaugural flight ceremony was declared open on Friday by Vice-President Kashim Shettima in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
According to data released by Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer at NAHCON, four flights operated by three accredited Nigerian Hajj carriers—MaxAir, Flynas, and Air Peace—transported pilgrims from Bauchi, Kebbi, Imo, and Lagos states.
“On Friday, MaxAir flight VM3001 departed Bauchi to Madinah at 11:53hrs with 539 Bauchi pilgrims and six officials,” Mohammed said.
He further stated that “Flynas flight XY8066 departed Kebbi to Madinah at 18:29hrs with 420 Kebbi pilgrims and one official.”
The inaugural flight of the season, Mohammed noted, was operated by Air Peace: “Air Peace flight APK 7900 departed Owerri to Madinah at 19:36hrs with 240 pilgrims and four officials.”
He added that another Flynas aircraft also completed a successful departure from Lagos: “Flynas flight XY8016 departed Lagos to Madinah at 19:39hrs with 423 Osun pilgrims.”
The 2025 Hajj airlift is expected to continue in phases as more pilgrims across the country prepare for the spiritual journey.
