The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the state is set to commence its 2025 Hajj operations, with Max Air appointed as the designated airline for transporting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Although the initial report indicated the airlift would start on May 6, 2025, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has since confirmed that the inaugural flight for Nigerian pilgrims will take off on May 9, 2025.
Preparations for the 2025 Hajj
NAHCON has concluded arrangements for the 2025 Hajj operations, with accommodations secured in Mecca, Medina, and other cities. The commission has also made provisions for adequate feeding and medical care for pilgrims. To ensure a smooth operation, NAHCON has urged state governments to update their pilgrims' registration and vaccination records.
Distribution of Essential Items
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced distribution of essential items to intending pilgrims, including hand luggage, uniforms, hijabs, and small bags for storing money and important documents. The board's director general, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa, urged pilgrims to make proper use of the provided items and refrain from bringing additional items not approved by the government.
Key Dates for the 2025 Hajj
- *Inaugural Flight*: May 9, 2025
- *End of Airlift to Saudi Arabia*: May 24, 2025
- *Return Journey*: June 13, 2025
- *End of Operations*: July 2, 2025
Number of Pilgrims
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has registered 3,155 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. NAHCON has allocated 43,000 pilgrim slots, with Max Air transporting pilgrims from Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo, and Plateau states.
Airline Allocation
- *Max Air*: Transporting pilgrims from Kano and other states, with two aircraft deployed (B747 with 400 capacity and B777 with 560 capacity)
- *FlyNas*: Allocated 12,506 pilgrims from FCT Abuja, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Sokoto, and Zamfara states
- *Air Peace*: Assigned 5,128 pilgrims from various states
- *Umrah*: Allocated 10,163 pilgrims from Kaduna, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe states ¹ ²