The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has successfully airlifted 3,275 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj, just three days into the airlift operation.
According to Tribune, this was revealed in a data made available by NAHCON.
Led by Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima, dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and Kebbi governor Nasir Idris flagged off the inaugural flight.
The first flight carried 422 Kebbi State pilgrims from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, to the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina.
Subsequent flights from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, transported pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State to Madina. A total of 299 FCT pilgrims and 545 Nasarawa State pilgrims were airlifted.
On Thursday, May 16, three flights from Abuja and Birnin Kebbi respectively carried 301 FCT pilgrims, 505 Nasarawa pilgrims, and 423 pilgrims from Kebbi State to Saudi Arabia through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Friday.
NAHCON has reported that 90% of Nigerian pilgrims will fly directly to Madina from Nigeria, spending a maximum of four days in the city before heading to Makkah for the Hajj rites proper.
The airlift operation, involving airlines such as Air Peace, Max Air, and Saudi-based FlyNas, has been smooth according to an official of the Hajj body, who expressed confidence in surpassing previous operations this year.
The outward bound airlift is expected to be completed by June 10. The aim of the commission is to complete the airlift of about 65,000 pilgrims before that date.
