The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims back into Nigeria from Saudi Arabia after the completion of the 2019 Hajj exercise which began on the August 17 has entered its ninth day.
A statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),Hajiya Fatima Sands Usara, said the two approved airlines by the commission, Max Air and FlyNas have operated a total of 21 flights that conveyed 9, 658 pilgrims back to Nigeria.
Distribution of the flights so far shows Max Air has conveyed 5,428 pilgrims in 11 trips while FlyNas on its part transported 4,306 pilgrims in 10 flights.
Max Air has conducted flights to Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, with a special flight to Federal Capital Territory. The special flight airlifted few pilgrims and officials that formed the advance team of officials into the kingdom from the National Medical, Media and Ulama teams as well as some NAHCON staff on essential duties.
Meanwhile, FlyNas has conducted flights to Lagos, Kebbi, Zamfara Sokoto and Osun.
It also conveyed some pilgrims from Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Abia and Edo states back to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the commission has mourned the passing away of one of its National Medical Team members, Nurse Aminu Rufa’i, from Zaria Local Government of Kaduna state who died in his sleep.
Aminu was healthy at the time he went to bed. His remains have since been buried according to Islamic rites.
The commission Chairman, Barrister Abdullah Mukthar Muhammad, on behalf of the management and staff of NAHCON, prayed Almighty Allah gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
