Flynas, a Saudi Arabian airline, says arrangements have been concluded to airlift the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims back home on Saturday.

In April, the airline signed an agreement with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to airlift pilgrims in the 2024 hajj exercise.

Yasser Ajlan, Flynas director for business development, had said the airline airlifted pilgrims from Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Zamfara states to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

In a statement on Friday, Umar Kaila, general sales agent (GSA) of Flynas, said pilgrims from Kebbi state would be airlifted from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA) in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

“We are happy to announce that Flynas is fully set to begin Phase Two of the airlift operation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria from Saturday, June 22, 2024, with pilgrims from Kebbi State,” the statement reads.

“Like we had a seamless airlift operation from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia during Phase One without any delay, we have made adequate arrangements to transport our pilgrims back to Nigeria seamlessly and efficiently.” 

Kaila said the airline has provided a smooth and seamless return airlift operation from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria.

He said the airline will conduct the return operation in 49 flights with five aircraft which will include pilgrims returning to Kebbi, Lagos, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno, Osun, Ogun, and Niger state.