Deborah Akinyosoye
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria confirms that a total of 7,263 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Madinnah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 2025 Hajj airlift operation is gathering momentum with 18 outbound flights since the exercise began on May 9.
This is according to an updated obtained from the NAHCON website flight update.
While progress has been swift for some states, others, including notable northern states like Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno, are yet to commence airlifting.
Among the most remarkable developments is Bauchi State having successfully completed three flights, all operated by Max Air, with a combined total of 1,322 pilgrims, comprising 1,003 males and 319 females.
Other states are making steady progress with some already conducting multiple flights.
Kebbi State, for instance, has featured prominently with three Flynas-operated flights, moving a total of 1283 pilgrims so far.
Osun State has also marked a significant milestone, completing two full flights with Flynas and transporting 846 pilgrims, one of the highest so far from the South West.
Oyo State, working with Max Air, has recorded 1,079 pilgrims across two successful operations from Lagos.
In the North Central region, Niger State has recorded 792 pilgrims in two flights via UMZA Air, while Nasarawa State has transported 605 pilgrims also with UMZA, including some from a combined flight with Adamawa State, which had three pilgrims on board.
Kogi State, in collaboration with Air Peace, has seen 559 pilgrims flown to Madinah in two operations.
Ogun State has completed a single Flynas-operated flight, taking 428 pilgrims from Lagos. From the South East, Imo and Abia States shared a joint Air Peace flight, with Imo contributing 232 pilgrims and Abia just 8.
Even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has had a limited start, with five pilgrims included in a joint Kebbi-bound Flynas flight.
Airlines, Gender Distribution
So far, the airlift has been coordinated through six major departure points: Bauchi, Abuja, Lagos, Minna, Owerri, and Kebbi, with operations carried out by four airlines — Flynas (6 flights), Max Air (5 flights), UMZA Air (4 flights), and Air Peace (3 flights).
Of the 7,263 pilgrims already airlifted to Madinah, the gender breakdown stands at 4,390 males and 2,873 females, as compiled cumulatively after each flight.
Meanwhile, in a separate report yet to be included in the flight update on its website, the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board says the first batch of 316 pilgrims have departed to Saudi Arabia.
The State Board Chairman, Alhaji Dhikirulahi Chandy-Adam, disclosed this on Monday.
Their schedules are expected to unfold in the coming days, following NAHCON’s phased deployment strategy.
NAHCON has commended the states and service providers for the smooth takeoff, reiterating its commitment to a seamless and dignified pilgrimage experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
As the operation enters its second week, the Commission is “urging state welfare boards to sustain the pace and maintain the high standards set so far.”