NAHCON Reassures Pilgrims as Return Airlift Gathers Pace

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured Nigerian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia that efforts are being intensified to fast-track their return journey back home, with a firm target of completing the entire return airlift by June 28, 2025.

In a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, the Commission acknowledged the current delay in return flights but attributed it to the annual congestion of air traffic in Saudi Arabia following the Hajj exercise.

“During this period, all countries are trying to return their pilgrims simultaneously, creating heavy demand for limited airport slots,” the statement explained, noting that the slots are regulated by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and Nigeria has not yet been allocated enough slots to match the volume of its pilgrims.

NAHCON disclosed that it is working in collaboration with the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the approved air carriers to overcome the logistical challenge and ramp up the pace of the airlift operation.

At present, FlyNas is the only airline conducting two flights per day. However, the Commission is actively engaging with Saudi authorities to secure more favourable time slots for UMZA Aviation, Air Peace, and Max Air. Once approved, the use of large-bodied aircraft is expected to significantly increase the number of pilgrims transported daily.

“Strategies have been mapped out to improve slot availability, and we remain hopeful that ongoing discussions with Saudi officials will yield positive results,” the statement added.

NAHCON also expressed its appreciation for the patience and cooperation of Nigerian pilgrims and their officials, assuring them that all hands are on deck to ensure their swift and safe return.

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