2024 hajj: 10,675 pilgrims airlifted as Nasarawa concludes airlift of its pilgrims
No fewer than 10,675 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage
According to a statement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Assistant Director for Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission was able to transport the pilgrims through FlyNas with 4,665 pilgrims, followed by Max Air with 4,479 and Air Peace with 1,531 pilgrims.
Fatima said that so far, no flight cancellation has been recorded except for a flight delay that resulted in a time shift that affected the Kwara inaugural flight, moving it from yesterday, 20th May 2024, to the early hours of Tuesday, 21st May.
“Delightedly, Nasarawa State is the first to conclude the airlift of its pilgrims, totalling 1,794 for the 2024 Hajj season. Oyo and Armed forces are expected to conclude conveyance of their pilgrims tonight with one leg each remaining.”
“As we approach the second week of inbound flights into Saudi Arabia, states that are about to commence airlifting of their pilgrims include Kaduna, Yobe, Kano, Adamawa, Borno, and Sokoto states. Plateau State pilgrims are slated to depart today as well.”
It advised pilgrims to be calm and take note that the commission has a policy of First-in-First-Out (FIFO) policy on return from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, adding that the initial challenge in the issuance of Basic Travel allowance to pilgrims has been resolved.
“Each pilgrim is now entitled to 500 Dollars cash as BTA as approved by NAHCON in place of a credit card.”
