2025 Hajj: NAHCON To Initiate Airlift of 71,274 Pilgrims From May 5

2025 Hajj: NAHCON to Initiate Airlift of 71,274 Pilgrims from May 5

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will commence on May 5, 2025. A total of 71,274 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON has allocated the airlift responsibilities to four airlines:

• Max Air Ltd – 23,343 pilgrims
• Flynas – 22,893 pilgrims
• Umza Air Ltd – 15,893 pilgrims
• Air Peace – 9,145 pilgrims

The commission also revealed that various states have been assigned to different airlines to ensure an organized and efficient transport process.

Earlier, the Federal Government approved four air carriers—Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited—after screening 11 companies that applied for the airlift contract.

Additionally, NAHCON has selected three excess cargo carriers for the 2025 Hajj operations:

• Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited
• Cargozeal Technology Limited
• Qualla Investment Limited

The selection process was conducted by an Aviation Screening Committee comprising representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other key aviation agencies.