Hajj Flakes – Tuesday, 20 May 2025 | 22 Dhul-Qa’dah 1446 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. As at today, 607,747 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025.
2. In 15 days, over 2.3 million pilgrims will begin moving to Mina in preparation for Arafat on 5 June 2025 (9 Dhul-Hijjah). Saudi Arabia will close its airports in 11 days.
3. The second flight of Borno State pilgrims departed this morning. Distinguished Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, Chairman of the Borno State Hajj Committee 2025, was present to oversee the smooth coordination of the operation.
4. NAHCON conducted a catering simulation at the Rawaf Mina office in Makkah to evaluate private tour operators’ pilgrims’ meal plans—assessing quality, timeliness, and nutritional value. The exercise was led by Mr. Alidu Shutti, Deputy Coordinator, NAHCON Makkah Office.
5. Flynas resumes airlifting of Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after a long hiatus.
6. The Prophet’s Mosque unveils improved services for people with disabilities during Hajj 2025.
7. DSS operatives arrested kidnap kingpin Sani Galadi at Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, during security clearance at the Hajj Terminal on Monday, 19 May at about 11:50 AM.
8. The first batch of 78 Sierra Leonean diaspora pilgrims arrived safely in Madinah. Additional 600 home-based pilgrims are scheduled to depart from Freetown on 28 and 29 May, while others from the U.S., Europe, and Australia will fly on different dates.
9. Saudi Airlines resumes flights from Iran after 10 years, now operating from Tehran and Mashhad. The airline will serve 37,000 Iranian pilgrims by July 1.
10. King Salman of Saudi Arabia offers free Hajj to 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims, including those who lost family members or have relatives imprisoned or injured in the ongoing conflict.
11. The Saudi Passport Directorate is training male and female volunteers in communication and cultural awareness to assist pilgrims at international entry points for Hajj 1446 AH
12. Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested the alleged wife and mother of notorious Nigerian bandit leader Ado Aliero, while performing Hajj.

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