All is set for the departure of the inaugural flight scheduled to depart from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Imo State today, May 9, 2025.
A press statement by NAHCON, signed by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publications Department, said preparations for airlifting the pilgrims will officially commence on May 9, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart from Owerri, Imo State.
“The flight will carry 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States via Air Peace airline.
Governor Hope Uzodimma will host the event, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
Business Hilights gathered that already, a NAHCON Advance Team had arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee arrangements and ensure a seamless kickoff to the pilgrimage.
A total of 40,671 pilgrims registered for the 2025bHajj.
That’s as National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed registration for the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage, having given till May 2, 2025 as final date for the submission of Hajj fare deposits, in order to facilitate smooth transition into the airlift phase of the pilgrimage.
“Four separate flights are set to depart on May 9: Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights from Kebbi and Osun via Lagos, and a fourth flight from Niger State.
“Altogether, 2,528 pilgrims are expected in Minna on the first day.
“NAHCON assures that more operational updates will be provided as the Hajj exercise progresses.”
