*Photo: First batch of Nigerian Pilgrims disembarking the plane on arrival at Prince Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina for the 2024 Hajj*
A total of One thousand, two hundred and sixty six (1,266) Nigerian pilgrims were airlifted in three flights to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 15th May 2024 as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commenced the outbound flights for this year’s Hajj.
First was the Saudi Arabian flight Flynas touched down at Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdu-Aziz International Airport, Madina at 12am Nigerian time on Thursday with 422 pilgrims from Kebbi State.
Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Mahmoud Lele Mohammed and the Consul General, Ambassador Ibrahim Sule Dan Agundi were at the airport to receive them together with Madina Coordinator, Madina liaison officer and some NAHCON staff.
While addressing the pilgrims, Ambassador Mahmoud Lele called on them to be law abiding citizens and conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
On his part, the Consul General Amb. Sule Dan Agundi urged the Nigerian pilgrims to pray for their country and their leaders and also wish them a Hajj Mabrur.
At the accommodation, the first batch of pilgrims for Hajj 2024 were welcomed with a grand ceremonial reception by the hotel management.
Meanwhile, after the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims from Kebbi State other two flights landed in Madina carrying pilgrims from FCT and Nassarwa State.
As pilgrims are settling down they’re expected to visit the Prophet’s mosque and other historical places within the four days of their stay in Madina.
Tabulations of the flights as supplied by NAHCON are as follows:
(1) 15/05/2024, Inaugural flight, Flynas flight XY8002 departed Kebbi to Madinah @ 16:54hrs with 422 Kebbi pilgrims and 7 Officials.
M=269, F=153
Total airlift=422
Total flights=01
(2) 15/05/2024, Air Peace flight APK7900 departed Abuja to Madinah @ 17:44hrs with 299 FCT pilgrims and 5 Officials.
M=123, F=176
Total Airlift=721
Total Flights=02
(3) 15/05/2024, MaxAir flight NGL3019 departed Abuja to Madinah @ 20:04hrs with 545 Nasarawa pilgrims and 14 Officials.
M=341, F=204
Total airlift= 1,266
Total flights=03
