The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has noted that over 7,000 Nigerian pilgrims have successfully landed in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as this year’s Hajj airlift operation moves into its second week. As of May 11, a total of 7,263 pilgrims have been transported through 18 flights, marking a strong start to the 2025 pilgrimage season.
The large-scale movement began on May 9, with flights departing from key Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Minna, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Owerri. Four airlines — Max Air, Flynas, UMZA Air, and Air Peace — have been engaged to ferry the pilgrims to the Holy Land.
According to the latest flight logs on NAHCON’s official website, Flynas has so far completed six flights, while Max Air has operated five. UMZA Air and Air Peace have handled four and three flights respectively.
Though many states have begun their airlift operations, others, such as Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno, have yet to commence. Among the most active so far is Bauchi State, which has completed three Max Air flights with a total of 1,322 pilgrims — 1,003 men and 319 women.
Kebbi State has also shown strong participation, moving 1,283 pilgrims across three Flynas-operated flights. Osun State follows with two completed flights that carried 846 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Oyo State has deployed two Max Air flights from Lagos, transporting 1,079 pilgrims.
The North Central states are contributing steadily. Niger State has recorded 792 pilgrims via two UMZA Air flights, while Nasarawa has transported 605 pilgrims through a mix of solo and joint operations. Notably, Adamawa State had three pilgrims onboard a shared flight with Nasarawa.
Kogi State has flown 559 pilgrims in two operations with Air Peace. From the South West, Ogun State has completed one Flynas flight carrying 428 pilgrims. Imo and Abia States shared a flight via Air Peace, sending 240 pilgrims, of which Imo accounted for 232 and Abia just eight.
Even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), though in smaller numbers, has begun participation, with five pilgrims joining a Kebbi-bound Flynas flight.
The gender distribution among the 7,263 pilgrims currently in Madinah stands at 4,390 males and 2,873 females. NAHCON’s statistics show a fairly balanced gender turnout across most states.
Meanwhile, Ondo State, which has not yet been added to NAHCON’s website update, has sent off its first group of 316 pilgrims. The State’s Muslim Welfare Board Chairman, Alhaji Dhikirulahi Chandy-Adam, confirmed their departure on Monday.
