The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that 7,263 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the 2025 Hajj airlift.

Since the operation began on May 9, there have been 18 outbound flights, with the airlift gaining momentum, according to an update from the NAHCON website.

While some states have made significant progress, others, including key northern states like Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno, have yet to begin their airlifting operations.

One of the notable developments is Bauchi State, which has successfully completed three flights, all operated by Max Air, carrying a total of 1,322 pilgrims—1,003 males and 319 females. Other states are also making steady progress, with several already conducting multiple flights.

For example, Kebbi State has made significant strides, with three flights operated by Flynas, transporting a total of 1,283 pilgrims so far.

Osun State has achieved a significant milestone, completing two full flights with Flynas and transporting 846 pilgrims, making it one of the highest numbers from the Southwest so far.

Oyo State, partnering with Max Air, has successfully moved 1,079 pilgrims through two flights departing from Lagos.

In the North Central region, Niger State has transported 792 pilgrims via two flights with UMZA Air, while Nasarawa State has moved 605 pilgrims, also with UMZA, including a combined flight with Adamawa State that carried three pilgrims.

Kogi State, in partnership with Air Peace, has successfully flown 559 pilgrims to Madinah across two operations. Ogun State has completed a single Flynas-operated flight, transporting 428 pilgrims from Lagos.

In the Southeast, Imo and Abia States shared a joint Air Peace flight, with Imo contributing 232 pilgrims and Abia just 8.

Even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has had a modest start, with five pilgrims included in a joint Flynas flight bound for Kebbi.

The airlift has been organized through six major departure points: Bauchi, Abuja, Lagos, Minna, Owerri, and Kebbi, with operations carried out by four airlines—Flynas (6 flights), Max Air (5 flights), UMZA Air (4 flights), and Air Peace (3 flights).

Of the 7,263 pilgrims already airlifted to Madinah, the gender distribution is 4,390 males and 2,873 females, based on cumulative data from each flight.

In a separate update not yet reflected on the NAHCON website, the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board has reported that the first batch of 316 pilgrims has departed for Saudi Arabia. Alhaji Dhikirulahi Chandy-Adam, the State Board Chairman, confirmed this on Monday.

The pilgrims' schedules are expected to unfold in the coming days as part of NAHCON’s phased deployment plan.

NAHCON has praised the states and service providers for the smooth start to the airlift and reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless and dignified pilgrimage experience for all Nigerian pilgrims. As the operation enters its second week, the Commission is “urging state welfare boards to sustain the pace and maintain the high standards set so far.”