At least 36,297 pilgrims to the 2025 Hajj have returned home in 88 flights, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said.

The above figure represents over 86 per cent of the total pilgrims (41,668).

“Umza flight UY3540, which departed Jeddah to Kaduna at 01:46 hrs with 476 Kaduna pilgrims and eight officials, made the total of pilgrims airlifted to 36,297 and in 88 flights,” according to the National Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Saleh Usman Abdullahi.

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Information and Publications of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, Nigeria’s carriers have since June 22 been allocated up to seven flights per day at the ratio of 2-2-2-1.

The general pace of operations had been slower than anticipated due to post-Hajj airspace congestion and flight cancellations for various reasons.

Prof. Abdullahi said that with the airlift being undertaken, the Commission would soon complete the return of all the remaining pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

“The return-leg Hajj airlift operations have improved significantly with carriers securing an increase in slot allocation.

“However, despite the increase in slots, the return airlift of pilgrims may not be concluded by June 28th as earlier projected. This may not be possible until Tuesday, 2nd July 2025—approximately six days away, barring any further unforeseen disruptions,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, one of the pilgrims in Kano who returned from the Holy Land, Alhaji Abba Sani Musa, extended his heartfelt appreciation to NAHCON, saying this is the first time he has performed Hajj without any hitches or doubts on his scheduled return.

“I must commend the leadership of the Hajj Commission for their care in Saudi Arabia, both on welfare, medical health, transportation and even our stay in Medina, which was exceptional,” he said.

Another pilgrim interviewed, Alhaji Tijjani Nasamu, noted that with the way the National Hajj Commission was up and doing on pilgrims, this shows a great departure from the old habits where after Hajj, usually pilgrims were left to fend for themselves.

“While in Saudi Arabia, now and then NAHCON officials were hovering over them to ensure that they had no problems, and when we were told of our scheduled flights—exactly on the day we were airlifted—this is highly commendable,” he added.