The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced on Thursday, June 26, 2025, that 27,316 of the 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj have been transported back to Nigeria, with the final inbound airlift now extended to July 2, 2025, due to unforeseen disruptions. In a statement by Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Abuja, NAHCON noted that while airlift operations have improved with carriers securing up to seven daily flight slots since June 22 (allocated as 2-2-2-1 among operators), post-Hajj airspace congestion and flight cancellations have delayed the process. The original target to complete returns by June 28 is no longer feasible, with approximately 14,352 pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia, excluding those who returned via regular flights due to urgent personal needs.
NAHCON detailed the remaining pilgrims and carrier capacities: Max Air has 6,019 pilgrims left, with two wide-bodied aircraft carrying 1,120 passengers daily (560 each); UMZA Aviation Services has 4,850 pilgrims, using two aircraft with a total capacity of 796 (484 and 312 seats); FlyNas has 2,480 pilgrims with a daily capacity of 819; and Air Peace has 1,635 pilgrims with a 315-seat aircraft. The commission emphasized its commitment to facilitating the earliest possible return for all pilgrims, despite challenges like Jeddah airport’s congestion, which handled 1.5 million pilgrims in 2025 (Saudi Gazette, June 2025). Posts on X, such as @DailyTrust and @SaharaReporters, noted public frustration over delays, with @HajjReporters praising NAHCON’s transparency but urging better coordination. The extended timeline aims to ensure all pilgrims, part of Nigeria’s 41,668 quota (down from 95,000 in 2023 due to forex constraints, Punch), return safely amid a 33.9% inflation rate impacting travel costs (NBS April 2025).
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