The first batch of pilgrims to return from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria has landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The 423 pilgrims who were from Federal Capital Territory left Jeddah Airport this morning aboard
FLYNAS flight XY7002 and landed in Abuja around noon.
Another FlyNas flight is expected to leave for Nigeria later today with second set of passengers of the FCT.
Chairman National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan had earlier said the pilgrims’ departure from the holy land would be in line with their arrival into Saudi- Arabia.
Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been completed before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia.
In a statement in Makkah by NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda- Usara, the inaugural flight from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia was conducted by Max Air on the 9th of last month ( June ) with pilgrims from Borno State.
The statement, however, notes that due to home advantage, Saudi- Arabia FlyNas secured slots earlier than Max Air that is billed to commence its homeward journey from tomorrow, Saturday, 16th July with pilgrims from Maiduguri Borno state.
Our Correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that the 3rd approved airline, Azman will not begin its return journey until next week Wednesday due to the delay it experienced during the outbound journey to Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
Ridwan Fasasi
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
