NAHCON airlifts 14,165 pilgrims in five days
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has airlifted 14,165 pilgrims in five days.
This, the commission said, represents 34.4 per cent of the total pilgrims for this year’s edition.
A statement by Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the figure is an improvement from last year’s 20.2 per cent of pilgrims with 23 flights transported 9, 788 pilgrims.
She listed the States that have concluded their airlift to include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti States are preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.
The commission said: “Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far. On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence. The commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.
“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the State Pilgrims’ Boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift. The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfill the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON. “Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness. All flights are currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.”
She said the first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are now in Makkah to commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.”
