Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and West and Central Africa’s leading carrier, has successfully completed the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations, airlifting more than 5,000 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The airline concluded the first phase of the exercise on May 24, having operated 16 dedicated Hajj flights between May 9 and May 24. The inaugural flight departed from Owerri Airport in Imo State and was ceremonially flagged off by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, marking the official commencement of this year’s pilgrimage season.
Air Peace facilitated the movement of pilgrims from 15 Nigerian states and the Nigerian Armed Forces, using six key airports across the country to enhance accessibility and logistical efficiency. The states and their respective departure airports were as follows:
- Abuja Airport – Kogi, Benue
- Maiduguri Airport – Borno
- Yola Airport – Taraba
- Ilorin Airport – Ekiti, Ondo
- Lagos Airport – Edo, Nigerian Armed Forces
- Owerri Airport – Imo
- Port Harcourt Airport – Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers
The airline deployed a mix of aircraft, including its wide-body Boeing 777, underscoring its capacity to deliver large-scale operations in support of national religious obligations.
Speaking on the milestone, Captain Augustin Kamano, Director of Flight Operations at Air Peace, described the success of the first phase as a reflection of the airline’s operational capacity and commitment to national service.
“This phase demonstrates our ability to mobilize effectively and serve our country in matters of spiritual and national significance. We appreciate the collaboration of all stakeholders in making this a seamless process,” Kamano said.
He added that Phase Two of the Hajj operations will commence on June 13 and conclude by July 2, 2025.
Also commenting, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, expressed gratitude to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation authorities, security agencies, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for their continued support.
“Our commitment to national service is unwavering. These operations highlight not only our technical strength but also the confidence that the Nigerian people and government have placed in us,” Olajide said.
Since entering the Hajj airlift space in 2019, Air Peace has positioned itself as a dependable partner in pilgrimage logistics. The airline, which began operations in 2014, currently operates Nigeria’s largest commercial fleet and has expanded its route network to include Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London, among other international destinations.
Preparations are now underway for the second phase of the 2025 Hajj airlift. Air Peace says it remains focused on ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency for all pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey.
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