The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will end on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

A statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, yesterday, also said the commission had airlifted over 71,000 pilgrims and recorded 170 flights since the airlifting commenced 27 days ago.

“FlyNas is expected to close the window of this year’s outbound airlift of pilgrims from public quota, owing to technical hitches that pinioned its movement on few occasions.

“For this and other reasons, June 23 and 24 still remain open for landing of Nigerian pilgrims into Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj.

“Hence, while FlyNas would conclude conveyance of pilgrims on government quota by June 23, Max Air, on rescue services, would conclude conveyance of Private Tour Operators passengers by June 24.

“Also, a special flight that would convey officials has been arranged to take off on May 23,” the statement stated.

The commission, therefore, urged any eligible pilgrim with valid travel documents that has not been contacted for the journey to approach the nearest pilgrims’ welfare agency for confirmation and subsequent dispatch to the Kingdom for the 2023 hajj exercise.

MEANWHILE, NAHCON Chairman, Kunle Hassan, on behalf of the commission’s management, congratulated successful Nigerian pilgrims and urged them to dedicate their time towards attaining the ultimate Hajj Mabrur. He also enjoined them to remain people of integrity and protect their honour while in the Holy land.

Hassan, who empathised with all bonafide intending pilgrims that are unable to participate in this year’s hajj for any reason, said that the exercise is an answer to a divine call, adding that whoever is destined will answer at the due time.

The chairman, therefore, appealed to those affected to take the failure to participate as destiny, and take solace in the fact that the commission would address their situations accordingly.