NIGERIA: NAHCON to Begin 2025 Hajj Airlift On 6th May

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has announced that airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will commence on May 6.

Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, made this known on Monday during the signing of airlift agreements with four selected airlines, FlyNas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Air Limited, at the Hajj House in Abuja.

According to Elegushi, Saudi Arabia will open its airspace to incoming pilgrims on April 29, while Nigeria’s first flight is scheduled for May 6.

He said: “According to information from the Saudi authority, we are looking forward to April 29 as the day Saudi will open their airspace for Hajj.

“But as far as Nigeria is concerned, we are still looking at May 6 to be our inaugural flight, in shaa Allah, in order for us to meet up with the normal time frame for the Hajj.”

He further mentioned that NAHCON is collaborating with the airlines to ensure the smooth transportation of 75,000 pilgrims from different states across Nigeria.

In a move to simplify financial transactions, Elegushi also revealed that the commission has scrapped dollar payments for airline services. Instead, airlines will receive payments in local currency at an exchange rate equivalent to the dollar value.

“The era of waiting endlessly for payment is over. The percentage of payment that will be made will be enough for them to finish the operation, and after a little reconciliation, the balance will be paid immediately.”

NAHCON Chairman, Abdullahi Usman, also reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to ensuring the welfare and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.

He emphasized that airlift operations are a crucial part of Hajj logistics, requiring professionalism and efficiency.

He noted; “The airlift of pilgrims is one of the most significant aspects of the Hajj operation.

“It requires absolute professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. This process is not just about transportation, it is about fulfilling a spiritual obligation with dignity, safety, and comfort.”

Usman noted that the selection of the four airlines was based on merit, reliability, and their proven capacity to handle Hajj operations.

“Our pilgrims’ comfort, safety, and convenience remain paramount. From pre-boarding services to in-flight experience and post-arrival logistics, we expect nothing short of excellence.” He added