The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the scheduled end date for the Hajj airlift operations.

In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NAHCON, it was revealed that the outbound movement of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia would be concluding within a few hours.

The statement highlighted the tremendous efforts made during the 27-day-long airlift, with 170 flights transporting over 71,000 Nigerian pilgrims to Jeddah and Madinah airports, and the numbers continue to increase.

According to NAHCON, Aero Contractors Airline, Max Air, and Air Peace have completed the transportation of their allocated pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, Azman Airlines still has one more flight remaining to conclude their operations.

Due to technical challenges faced during certain instances, FlyNas will be closing the window for the outbound airlift of pilgrims from the public quota, the statement unveiled.

Nevertheless, Nigerian pilgrims will still be allowed to land in Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj on the 23rd and 24th of June.

The Commission specified that FlyNas will conclude the transportation of pilgrims on the government quota by the 23rd, while Max Air, responsible for rescue services, will complete the transportation of passengers from Private Tour Operators by the 24th of June.

In addition, a special flight for officials has been arranged to take off on the 23rd.

NAHCON urged any eligible pilgrims with valid travel documents who have not been contacted for their journey to reach out to the nearest pilgrims’ welfare agency for confirmation and subsequent dispatch to the Kingdom for the 2023 Hajj exercise.

Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the Chairman of NAHCON, conveyed his congratulations to the successful Nigerian pilgrims and encouraged them to focus on achieving the ultimate goal of a blessed Hajj.

He advised the pilgrims “to uphold their integrity and preserve their honor while in the Holy Land.”

Alhaji Hassan expressed deep sympathy for the genuine intending pilgrims who were unable to participate in this year’s Hajj for various reasons.

He acknowledged that “Hajj is a divine call and destiny plays a role in determining who is able to answer that call at the appointed time.”

He appealed to those affected to accept their inability to participate “as destiny” and assured them that the Commission would address their situations accordingly.