The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said that the return of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will now be completed by Tuesday, July 2, 2025.
This is a change from the earlier date of June 28 due to flight delays and crowded airspace.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fatima Usara, the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, said flight operations had improved after more landing slots were given to Nigerian carriers.
“Since June 22, Nigeria’s carriers have been given up to seven flights daily at a 2-2-2-1 ratio,” she explained. “But because of earlier delays and cancellations, we may not finish bringing pilgrims back until July 2, if no other problems come up.”
Usara added that of the 41,668 pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, more than 27,316 have returned home. She noted that the number does not include those who came back through regular commercial flights due to urgent personal matters.
Breaking down the remaining returnees, she said Max Air still has 6,019 pilgrims to airlift, using two aircraft that can carry 560 passengers each. UMZA Aviation Services has 4,850 pilgrims left, using planes with 484 and 312 seats. FlyNas is yet to transport 2,480 pilgrims and can carry 819 people daily. Air Peace has 1,635 pilgrims remaining with an aircraft that holds 315 passengers.
The commission said it is working hard to ensure that all pilgrims return home as soon as possible.
