Saudi-recognized carrier completes 60% of assigned quota with 19 return flights as post-Hajj repatriations gather speed
More than 8,000 Nigerian pilgrims have already been flown back home from Saudi Arabia in just one week, as Flynas, one of the designated hajj carriers, pushes ahead with rapid return operations following the completion of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The airline confirmed it had transported 8,051 pilgrims out of the 13,188 it was tasked with repatriating — a little over 60% — with 19 flights conducted between June 13 and June 23.
Flynas Goes All-In on Speed and Scale
According to Umar Kaila, managing director of First Planet Travels and general sales agent for Flynas in Nigeria, the airline focused on completing repatriations from high-density states early. Pilgrims from Lagos, Osun, and Ogun were among the first groups returned to Nigeria.
The Lagos batch alone required several dedicated flights.
Kaila spoke to journalists from Jeddah, expressing confidence that the rest of the operation would proceed just as smoothly. “We have already completed the return flights for Osun and Ogun on Saturday. Lagos pilgrims were safely returned by Sunday,” he said.
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Breaking Down the Numbers Behind the Operation
Here’s a breakdown of the return flights Flynas has conducted so far, along with the number of pilgrims flown:
| State/Region | Number of Return Flights | Pilgrims Returned |
|---|---|---|
| Osun | 3 | ~1,200 |
| Ogun | 2 | ~900 |
| Lagos | 5 | ~2,100 |
| Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi | 6 | ~2,700 |
| FCT | 3 | ~1,151 |
| Total | 19 | 8,051 |
Pilgrim Satisfaction, Logistics, and the Long Road Home
Despite the intense logistics, many of the pilgrims reported positive experiences. According to Flynas ground crew and travel facilitators on site in Medina and Jeddah, travelers praised the streamlined boarding process, timely departures, and onboard support.
Some even expressed surprise at the swiftness of their return.
“It’s the first time I’m flying out of Saudi this soon after the Hajj. I didn’t even get time to finish my last batch of dates shopping!” chuckled Saheed Lawal, a pilgrim from Abeokuta.
Flynas officials said advanced coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and state Muslim welfare boards helped reduce bottlenecks at check-in counters and ensured smoother immigration clearance.
• The airline set up temporary check-in counters in Makkah and Jeddah hotels
• WhatsApp broadcast groups were used to send real-time updates to pilgrims
• Bus transport from hotel to airport was scheduled in staggered groups to avoid crowding
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Why Timing Matters in Hajj Logistics
The return leg of Hajj logistics is often trickier than the outbound journey. With pilgrims often tired, and the summer heat lingering in Saudi Arabia, quick turnaround times can make or break the experience.
Officials say that returning more than 60% of the pilgrims within 10 days of Eid al-Adha is no small feat.
Umma Kyaure, Flynas’s information officer in Nigeria, added that weather conditions and increased air traffic during the Hajj window often slow operations. “That’s why we push to finish early. It’s easier for all — for the pilgrims, for the airlines, and even the air traffic control,” she said.
And sometimes, things just click.
What’s Next for the Remaining Pilgrims?
According to Kaila, return flights will continue throughout the week. He emphasized that states like Zamfara and Kebbi, whose pilgrims had split arrivals between Medina and Jeddah, were being prioritized based on when they completed their hajj rites.
There’s also a rotational scheduling system to ensure fairness.
The remaining 5,000 or so pilgrims under Flynas’s quota are expected to be home before the end of June. That means the airline is pacing well ahead of the typical 3-week repatriation window.
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Behind Flynas’s Growing Role in Hajj Travel
Flynas, a Saudi low-cost airline, isn’t new to hajj ops. But its expanding footprint in Nigeria’s pilgrim logistics space has made it a standout in recent years.
It’s one of the few non-Nigerian airlines trusted with a sizable quota — and for good reason.
Here’s what sets it apart:
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Dual operational teams stationed in Saudi and Nigeria for better coordination
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Arabic-speaking cabin crew familiar with religious protocols
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Partnerships with local agencies to ease documentation and check-in hurdles
This year, Flynas worked with First Planet Travels, a Nigerian travel agency with years of hajj service experience, which helped smoothen last-mile operations and ensure government compliance.
Flynas also competes with Nigerian carriers like Max Air and Azman Air for NAHCON’s annual hajj contracts.
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The Bigger Picture: Why Hajj Logistics Are a National Priority
Nigeria typically sends one of the largest hajj contingents from sub-Saharan Africa. In 2025, over 65,000 pilgrims performed hajj under the government quota. Coordinating their return requires close collaboration between the Nigerian government, state boards, private airlines, and Saudi authorities.
The stakes are high. Missed flights or miscommunication can trigger complaints, diplomatic tensions, and sometimes even policy shake-ups.
That’s why a smooth first week matters so much.
Flynas’s strong start this year could set the tone for future contracts — and raise the bar for other players in the hajj transport ecosystem.
