BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has successfully flown 5,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage, signalling the completion of the first phase of its 2025 Hajj airlift operations.
This initial phase, which commenced on May 9, 2025, concluded on May 24 with the successful transportation of over 5,000 pilgrims across 16 dedicated flights.
The operations began with the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport in Imo State—an event honoured by the presence of Nigeria’s Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima.
Demonstrating a well-coordinated national outreach, Air Peace managed flights for pilgrims from 15 Nigerian states as well as members of the Armed Forces, utilizing strategically selected departure points to ensure ease of access and smooth operations.
The designated departure airports and their respective state clusters were as follows: Abuja Airport – Kogi & Benue; Maiduguri Airport – Borno; Yola Airport – Taraba; Ilorin Airport – Ekiti & Ondo; Lagos Airport – Edo & the Nigerian Armed Forces; Owerri Airport – Imo and Port Harcourt Airport – Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu & Rivers
Air Peace deployed one of its wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft for the pilgrimage flights, highlighting its commitment to world-class service and national assignments.
Captain Augustin Kamano, Director of Flight Operations at Air Peace, praised the flawless coordination of the first phase and acknowledged the collaboration of all stakeholders.
“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 said.
Looking ahead, he confirmed that Phase Two is scheduled to begin on June 13 and wrap up by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.”
Corroborating, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, expressed deep gratitude to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” she stated.
As preparations ramp up for the second phase, Air Peace remains focused on delivering safety, efficiency, and comfort to all pilgrims undertaking this spiritually significant journey.
Since its inception in 2014, Air Peace has carved out a reputation for excellence, boasting Nigeria’s largest fleet and a growing network of domestic, regional, and intercontinental routes, including Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London. Its consistent
participation in the Hajj airlift since 2019 continues to highlight its pivotal role in advancing both national priorities and spiritual obligations.
