The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that 27,316 out of 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully transported back home from Saudi Arabia.
The commission disclosed that the final inbound flights will now conclude on July 2 due to operational challenges, revising its earlier projection of June 28.
In a statement issued on Thursday by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Usara, the commission explained the current airlift situation:
“NAHCON wishes to inform the public, particularly 2025 Hajj pilgrims, their families and stakeholders, that the return leg Hajj airlift operations have improved significantly with carriers securing an increase in slot allocations. Nigeria’s carriers have since June 22 been allocated up to seven flights per day at the ratio of 2-2-2-1.”
Usara acknowledged that operations have progressed slower than expected due to post-Hajj airspace congestion and occasional flight cancellations. “However, despite the increase in slots, the return airlift of pilgrims may not be concluded by June 28 as earlier projected. This may not be possible until Tuesday, 2nd July 2025 – approximately six days away, barring any further unforeseen disruptions,” she stated.
The commission provided a detailed breakdown of remaining pilgrims per airline: Max Air has 6,019 pilgrims remaining, with a daily capacity of 1,120 across two wide-bodied aircraft (560 seats each); UMZA Aviation Services has 4,850 passengers remaining, divided between two aircraft (484 and 312 seats respectively, totaling 796 daily capacity); FlyNas has 2,480 pilgrims left with a daily carriage capacity of 819; Air Peace has 1,635 pilgrims remaining, operating one aircraft with 315 seats.
Usara noted that the 27,316 returnees already transported exclude numerous pilgrims who opted for regular commercial flights due to urgent needs back home. She reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to facilitating the earliest possible return for all pilgrims, stating the commission remains focused on ensuring all Nigerian pilgrims are safely transported back within the revised timeline.
The extension comes as NAHCON works to manage the logistical challenges of mass return operations following the completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The commission continues to coordinate with airlines and Saudi authorities to maintain smooth operations until all pilgrims are safely returned to Nigeria.
