Hundreds of Nigerian pilgrims who recently concluded the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia are now stranded as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) faces a critical shortage of return flight slots. The situation has sparked concern and frustration among pilgrims and their families, as the Commission battles bottlenecks in Saudi Arabia’s congested airspace.
In a press statement released late Wednesday, Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication for NAHCON, revealed that the delay in returning the pilgrims was due to a combination of restricted airport access and an insufficient number of flight slots allocated to Nigeria by Saudi authorities.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria wishes to reassure Nigerian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia awaiting their return journey that the Commission, in collaboration with the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and our designated air carriers, is working relentlessly to fast-track the evacuation process,” the statement read.
NAHCON has set a firm target to complete the repatriation of all Nigerian pilgrims by June 28, 2025, but the Commission admits that achieving this goal hinges on securing more air traffic slots from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
“Fewer flights are being operated at the moment due to the annual post-Hajj air traffic surge. Every participating country is attempting to repatriate its citizens simultaneously, placing immense pressure on Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure,” the statement explained.
Currently, FlyNas, the only airline with clearance, is operating a meager two flights daily—insufficient for the massive Nigerian contingent. NAHCON disclosed that UMZA Aviation, Air Peace, and Max Air are on standby with large-bodied aircraft, ready to ramp up operations once additional slots are secured.
“In view of this challenge, NAHCON and the three major airlift stakeholders have initiated strategic negotiations with Saudi authorities to increase Nigeria’s flight quota. We are hopeful that the ongoing diplomatic engagements will yield results in the shortest possible time,” the Commission noted.
The dire circumstances have drawn concern from families anxiously awaiting the safe return of loved ones. NAHCON, however, is urging for calm and understanding, promising that every effort is being made behind the scenes to resolve the impasse.
“We appreciate the patience and resilience of the pilgrims and their state officials. We assure everyone concerned that NAHCON and the State Pilgrims’ Boards are working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure every pilgrim is returned home safely and promptly,” the Commission concluded.
As the clock ticks and pressure mounts, the fate of stranded pilgrims now rests on the outcome of NAHCON’s negotiations with Saudi authorities. For many, the spiritual high of Hajj has been tempered by the logistical headache of an uncertain homecoming.
PIONEER NEWS 