With registration for the 2025 Hajj officially closed, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has kicked off airlift operations, starting with a landmark inaugural flight from Owerri, Imo State.
Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information, confirmed that payments made after the May 2 deadline will be refunded, as the focus now shifts to transporting the 40,671 registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The first flight, scheduled for May 9, will carry 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States aboard an Air Peace aircraft. Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend the send-off, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Also departing that day are flights from Bauchi, Kebbi, Osun (via Lagos), and Niger, bringing the total number of pilgrims arriving in Madina on Day One to 2,528.
NAHCON has pledged regular updates to ensure safe, transparent, and smooth Hajj operations throughout the season.
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