West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, airifting over 5000 pilgrims.
The Phase One of airlift which began on May 9, 2025, conducted a total of 16 flights with 5,040 pilgrims airlifted, was concluded on May 24, 2025.
The successful flight operations reinforced the position of Air Peace as a key player in Nigeria’s religious pilgrimage logistics.
The operations began on May 9, 2025, with the airline operating the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State; an event graced by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Air Peace operated Hajj flights for 15 Nigerian states and the Armed Forces, using strategically located airports to ensure smooth operations and accessibility for pilgrims. Below is a breakdown of states and their respective departure airports:
Kogi & Benue – Abuja Airport.
Borno – Maiduguri Airport
Taraba – Yola Airport
Ekiti & Ondo – Ilorin Airport
Edo & Nigerian Armed Forces – Lagos Airport
Imo – Owerri Airport
While pilgrims from Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu and Rivers State were airlifted at Port Harcourt Airport.
This milestone underscores Air Peace’s unwavering commitment to supporting national religious initiatives and providing world-class services to pilgrims on such spiritually significant journeys.
Speaking on the completion of Phase One, Air Peace’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, expressed satisfaction with the seamless coordination and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation. He noted, “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 added that Phase Two of the 2025 Hajj airlift is scheduled to commence on June 13, 2025, and conclude by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.”
Also commenting, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, extended deep appreciation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies, and especially the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering 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,” she stated.
As preparations for Phase Two commence, Air Peace remains resolute in upholding safety, efficiency, and comfort for all pilgrims on this sacred journey. The airline’s steady rise since its debut in 2014 has been defined by groundbreaking achievements—operating the largest fleet in Nigeria, launching multiple regional and intercontinental routes including Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London, and consistently championing national interests. Its active participation in the Hajj airlift since 2019 further highlights its role as a dependable partner in both national and spiritual endeavours.
