Hajj Flakes Monday, 23 June 2025 | 27 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. As at today 388 FCT pilgrims departs Jeddah for Abuja at 10:38hrs, bringing the total airlifted to 18,164 across 43 flights.

2. Flynas XY9086 lifts 426 Kebbi pilgrims and 3 officials from Jeddah to Kebbi at 07:09hrs, continuing the return phase.

3. UMZA UY3487 departs Jeddah for Yola at 00:45hrs with 477 pilgrims and 6 officials(Adamawa: 443, Nasarawa: 34)

4. Air Peace APK7911 lifts 311 pilgrims and 5 officials to Ilorin at 18:25hrs (Ondo: 100, Ekiti: 205, Borno: 1).

5. Max Air VM2006 departs Jeddah to Kano at 13:30hrs with 549 pilgrims and 11 officials, progressing the post-Hajj phase.

6. Flynas XY9024 departs for Lagos at 09:45hrs with 364 onboard (Lagos: 232, Borno: 3, Officials: 129).

7. Egypt repatriates all Hajj pilgrims within a week via Halat Ammar crossing, amid regional tensions. Around 7,500 pilgrims used 80 buses en route through Jordan to Egypt.

8. Two Indonesian pilgrims die minutes apart aboard Saudia return flight, just before landing in Surabaya on June 20. The deceased were from Bangkalan, East Java.

9. Cargo Zeal MD accuses Plateau officials of aiding illegal Hajj cargo operators, warning of safety risks and sabotage of NAHCON-approved handlers.

10. Kwara Pilgrims Board urges NAHCON to fix toilet congestion at Mina, noting 10 toilets served over 2,200 pilgrims, causing discomfort.

11. Bangladesh returns 42,950 pilgrims in 12 days via 109 flights, with 1,606 more expected on Sunday to reach 44,966 returnees via 114 flights.

12. First batch of 401 Hajj pilgrims lands in Chennai, welcomed by officials. Tamil Nadu gave ₹25,000 subsidies to first-timers, with 5,757 pilgrims overall from the state.

13. Indonesia investigates second Saudia bomb threat, after SVA 5688 carrying 376 pilgrims made emergency landing in North Sumatra. Voice threat came via VPN-based radio over Indian airspace.

14. Fun fact: Performing Umrah in Ramadan earns a reward equal to Hajj — but it does not replace Hajj if it’s still obligatory on you.

15. Did you know? In 2025, most Umrah pilgrims fly directly into Jeddah or Madinah, with quick transfers to Makkah.

16. Fun fact: Umrah pilgrims now benefit from e-visa systems, with approval possible in less than 48 hours for many countries.

17. Did you know? Pilgrims from the UK, US, and Europe are increasingly arriving for short weekend Umrah trips, especially in winter.

18. Did you know? Most Umrah hotels are fully booked during Ramadan, especially near the Haram — pilgrims are advised to reserve months in advance.

19. Fun fact: There are now luxury Umrah packages, budget backpacking Umrah options, and even family-friendly Umrah tour groups.

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