The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the safe return of 6,528 Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia as the 2025 Hajj airlift operations continue to make steady progress.
In its latest update from the Command and Control Centre in Makkah, NAHCON disclosed that Max Air successfully completed its 16th return flight on Tuesday, June 17. The flight, numbered VM265, departed Jeddah Airport at 8:33 am local time, bound for Lagos with 560 passengers onboard comprising 550 pilgrims and 10 officials.
According to the breakdown, 549 of the pilgrims were from Oyo State, while one pilgrim hailed from Plateau State, marking another key milestone in the ongoing return phase of the Hajj pilgrimage.
With 16 inbound flights completed so far, NAHCON praised the efficiency of its team and collaborating airlines for maintaining a well-organized operation.
“Our priority remains the safe and comfortable return of every Nigerian pilgrim,” the Commission stated in a message posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all pilgrims, as the coordinated efforts from all stakeholders continue to yield positive results.”
NAHCON assured the public that real-time updates would continue to be provided from its control centre in Makkah, as the return phase of the Hajj draws closer to completion.
