Air Peace Hajj operations have completed Phase One of the 2025 pilgrimage airlift, transporting more than 5,000 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The successful conclusion of this phase reinforces the airline’s leadership role in Nigeria’s religious air travel logistics.
The phase one completion was achieved on May 24, 2025, with Air Peace conducting 16 outbound flights and airlifting a total of 5,000 pilgrims. Operations began on May 9, 2025, marked by the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State. This event was graced by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Air Peace serviced pilgrims from 15 Nigerian states and the Armed Forces, leveraging strategically selected departure airports for convenience and operational efficiency. The participating states and corresponding departure airports included: Kogi and Benue from Abuja Airport, Borno from Maiduguri Airport, Taraba from Yola Airport, Ekiti and Ondo from Ilorin Airport, Edo and the Armed Forces from Lagos Airport, Imo from Owerri Airport, and Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers from Port Harcourt Airport.
The airline deployed its Boeing 777 on these routes in a bid to provide world class experience for the pilgrims.
Director of Flight Operations at Air Peace, Captain Augustin Kamano, expressed satisfaction with the coordination of Phase One. “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.
Captain Kamano also confirmed that Phase Two of the Air Peace Hajj operations will begin on June 13, 2025, and conclude by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.” Preparations are already underway to ensure continued success and adherence to safety and comfort standards.
Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, also offered her appreciation. “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. She extended gratitude to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for their unwavering support.
Air Peace’s consistency in handling Hajj operations since 2019 speaks to its reliability in supporting both national and spiritual missions. The airline, which began operations in 2014, has grown to operate the largest fleet in Nigeria and serve regional and international destinations like Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London.
As Phase Two nears, Air Peace is preparing with renewed dedication to delivering top-tier service, emphasizing passenger safety, operational efficiency, and spiritual purpose. Its involvement in Hajj missions continues to enhance its role as a national asset and a trusted partner in sacred journeys.
