The 2025 Hajj exercise has recorded steady progress in the return of Nigerian pilgrims, with a total of 6,528 pilgrims now back in the country. This follows Max Air’s successful completion of its 16th return flight on Tuesday.

 

According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Max Air flight VM265 departed Jeddah at 08:33 AM on June 17, 2025, en route to Lagos. Onboard were 560 individuals—550 pilgrims and 10 officials. A detailed breakdown shows that 549 of the pilgrims were from Oyo State, while one pilgrim hailed from Plateau State.

 

This latest flight adds to the growing tally of returnees, reflecting NAHCON’s commitment to a seamless repatriation process. So far, 16 flights have been completed in the ongoing inbound phase of the Hajj operations.

 

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) platform, NAHCON reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of all Nigerian pilgrims:

“We are committed to ensuring every Nigerian pilgrim returns safely and comfortably. The coordinated efforts of our teams and partners are yielding positive results, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of all pilgrims.”

 

1. NAHCON continues to supervise the return operations from its Command and Control Centre in Makkah, providing timely updates as the Hajj pilgrimage nears its conclusion.