Air Peace Completes First Phase of 2025 Hajj Operations, Airlifts Over 5,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
Nigeria’s largest airline and West and Central Africa’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations, airlifting over 5,000 Muslim pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a significant milestone that reaffirms the airline’s growing role in facilitating religious pilgrimage logistics.
The first phase of the operation, which began on 9 May 2025, officially ended on 24 May 2025, marking the completion of 16 successful flights that carried a total of 5,040 pilgrims from various parts of Nigeria to the holy land. The inaugural flight, flagged off from Owerri Airport, Imo State, was a landmark event attended by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Air Peace undertook the pilgrimage airlift duties for 15 Nigerian states as well as the Armed Forces, utilising strategically selected airports across the country to enhance accessibility and ensure seamless movement of pilgrims. The departure arrangements were as follows:
Kogi & Benue – Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
Borno – Maiduguri International Airport
Taraba – Yola Airport
Ekiti & Ondo – Ilorin International Airport
Edo & Nigerian Armed Forces – Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
Imo – Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri
Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu & Rivers – Port Harcourt International Airport
Describing the operation as a success, the Director of Flight Operations at Air Peace, Captain Augustin Kamano, lauded the level of coordination that ensured the smooth conduct of the flights. “This first phase was a demonstration of our operational strength and dedication to national service. We are proud of our team’s performance and grateful for the support from all relevant authorities,” he stated.
Captain Kamano also disclosed that Phase Two of the Hajj airlift is scheduled to begin on 13 June and will run until 2 July 2025. “By the grace of God, we will continue to deliver excellent service and uphold the trust placed in us by the Nigerian people,” he affirmed.
Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, echoed similar sentiments, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the aviation and security agencies, and especially the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for their steadfast support.
“We remain committed to excellence and national service. Our successful Hajj operations are a result of collaboration, professionalism, and the confidence placed in us by the Nigerian government and people,” Mrs Olajide said.
Since its establishment in 2014, Air Peace has grown to become a dominant force in Nigeria’s aviation sector, boasting the largest fleet in the country and a growing network of regional and international destinations, including Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London.
The airline has participated actively in Hajj operations since 2019, consistently demonstrating its capacity as a dependable partner in both national and spiritual endeavours.
As preparations shift towards Phase Two, Air Peace has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and comfort for pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey.
