The final flight for the 2024 Hajj outbound operations of pilgrims departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The final flight from Nigeria is expected to land in the Kingdom within 72 hours before the closure of all entry borders to hajj pilgrims.
On board the FlyNas flight are 211 combined pilgrims remaining from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, FCT, and Niger states as well as the last set of officials, signal the final and seamless airlift of states (conventional) pilgrims.
However, Aero Contractors will end the airlift of Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims by 2:00 pm on Monday, June 10, 2024, while other Private Tour Operators conveying Nigeria pilgrims are equally expected to conclude their passenger airlift before the closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports.
A statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs at National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Sunday evening detailed the account of the final flight operation.
Prior to this release, data from the daily flight command and control centre of the commission indicated departure of FlyNas XY8078 from Minna, Niger state to Madina at about 15:53hrs with 430 including two officials, putting total pilgrims airlift at 50,661 on 120 flight operation.
Meanwhile, the commission has fixed 22nd June, 2024 for the beginning of return journey of pilgrims back from Saudi Arabia. According to NAHCON, the returning trip kicks six days after Arafah is based on first-in-first-out basis.
“Among the achievements listed by the NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, is the successful completion of airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia 72 hours before announcement of the deadline set by Saudi authorities for the season,” NAHCON said.
“In the same vein, the Commission also achieved 100% movement of pilgrims to Madinah pre-Arafat. The Chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the critical support they offered to ensure a successful Hajj operation and promised that the Commission will reciprocate by doing its bid in ensuring a smooth Hajj exercise.
“The Chairman appreciated the pilgrims for their resilience and determination despite the odds. He concluded by restating NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Nigeria’s pilgrims in the best humanly way.”
