Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, airlifting a total of 5,040 pilgrims across 16 dedicated flights. 

This phase of the sacred pilgrimage, which ran from May 9 to May 24, 2025, underscores Air Peace’s central role in Nigeria’s religious and national logistics framework.

The operation began with the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State, an event flagged off by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima.

The airline provided services to pilgrims from 15 Nigerian states as well as the Armed Forces, utilising a network of strategically chosen departure airports for maximum accessibility. These included Abuja Airport – Kogi & Benue pilgrims, Maiduguri Airport – Borno, Yola Airport – Taraba, Ilorin Airport – Ekiti & Ondo, Lagos Airport – Edo & the Nigerian Armed Forces, Owerri Airport – Imo, Port Harcourt Airport – Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu & Rivers

“This first phase was a demonstration of our operational strength and dedication to national service. We are proud of our team’s performance and grateful for the support from all relevant authorities,” said Captain Augustin Kamano, Director of Flight Operations at Air Peace. He added that Phase Two of the Hajj operations is scheduled to commence on June 13, 2025, and conclude by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.”

Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, also commended the stakeholders that made the success possible. “We remain committed to excellence and national service. Our successful Hajj operations are a result of collaboration, professionalism, and the confidence placed in us by the Nigerian government and people,” she said. She particularly acknowledged the support of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Since its inception in 2014, Air Peace has grown into Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size and route network. Its consistent contributions to national causes, including Hajj airlifts since 2019, reaffirm its role as a dependable partner in Nigeria’s development and spiritual journey facilitation.

With Phase Two on the horizon, Air Peace says it remains focused on upholding safety, efficiency, and the comfort of pilgrims traveling on this significant journey of faith.

Chioma Kalu

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