2024 Hajj: Last Flight Departs Nigeria As Return Journey Begins June 22
The final outbound flight for the 2024 Hajj has departed Nigeria in the early hours of June 10th, 2024, from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, bound for Madinah. Onboard were approximately 211 remaining pilgrims from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, FCT, and Niger states.
Additionally, the last batch of officials for the 2024 Hajj joined the FlyNas flight. This flight signifies the conclusion of this year’s Hajj outbound airlift to Makkah for state quota pilgrims.
ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE gathered that the Flynas flight XY8016 departed Sokoto yesterday, June 10 via Abuja to Madinah at 3:43pm with 204 Pilgrims and 174 Officials.
A breakdown of the passengers on the flight showed that Sokoto had 156 persons made up of 98 males and 58 females; Zamfara had 21 passengers including 15 males and 6 females; Niger had 22 persons on board comprising 19 males and 3 females.
Other states are Kebbi with one male passenger, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had three male passengers and Bauchi had one male on board.
Meanwhile, Aero Contractors ceased airlifting Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims by 2:00 PM on Monday, June 10th, 2024.
Other Private Tour Operators are expected to complete the conveyance of their pilgrims before the closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for all inbound Hajj airlift operations.
The return journey for the 2024 Hajj is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2024 on a first-in-first-out basis.
This information was disclosed during a press briefing held at the Hajj House NAHCON office in Abuja.
Airlines have already secured slots for the return journey.
Notably, the NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, highlighted significant achievements. These include successfully airlifting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia 72 hours before the deadline set by Saudi authorities for the season.
Additionally, the Commission achieved 100% movement of pilgrims to Madinah pre-Arafat.
The Chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their critical support in ensuring a successful Hajj operation.
He pledged that the Commission would reciprocate by ensuring a smooth Hajj exercise.
The media also received commendation for their dedicated reporting of the exercise.
According to a statement signed on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON by the Assistant Director/Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, despite challenges, the pilgrims demonstrated resilience and determination.
The statement reassured that NAHCON remains committed to the welfare of Nigeria’s pilgrims.
Information from the Abuja Control Center of National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) showed that a total of 50,865 were airlifted for the 2024 Hajj in about 121 flights.
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