Air Peace airlifts over 5,000 Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in the first phase

Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, airlifting over 5,000 Pilgrims.

The Phase 1 airlift was concluded on May 24, 2025, with a total of 16 flights conducted and 5,040 pilgrims airlifted. 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. The states and their respective departure airports include Kogi & Benue – Abuja Airport, Borno – Maiduguri Airport, Taraba – Yola Airport, Ekiti & Ondo – Ilorin Airport, Edo & Nigerian Armed Forces – Lagos Airport and Imo – Owerri Airport.

Other airports include Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu & Rivers – 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.

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Speaking on the completion of Phase One, Augustin Kamano, Air Peace’s Director of Flight Operations, 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, Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, 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.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.