By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Flynas XY9034 departed Jeddah to Sokoto at 09:43hrs with 384 Sokoto pilgrims and 5 officials. Total Nigerian Return Airlift So Far: 28,824 pilgrims via 70 flights.

2. Max Air NGL269 left Jeddah to Bauchi at 07:23hrs with 394 Bauchi pilgrims and 106 officials.

3. Flynas XY9094 departed Jeddah to Sokoto at 06:15hrs with 421 Zamfara pilgrims and 7 officials.

4. On Thursday, 26 June, UMZA UY3459flew from Jeddah to Maiduguri at 21:35hrs with 309 Yobe pilgrims.

5. Also on Thursday, Air Peace APK7919departed Jeddah to Abuja via Yola at 18:21hrs with 118 pilgrims (Taraba = 112; Benue = 6) and 155 officials.

6. UMZA UY3538 flew from Jeddah to Kaduna at 17:30hrs with 474 Kaduna pilgrims and 9 officials.

7. Saudi Hajj provider Sana commended Hajj Reporters for their accurate and timely coverage of the 2025 Hajj, citing their role in enhancing communication between agencies and pilgrims.

8. Saudi Arabia’s Meteorological Centerhas warned of above-normal temperatures this July–August across central, northern, and eastern regions, with higher-than-usual rainfall expected in southern areas, including Makkah, Madinah, and Asir.

9. NAHCON announces new return deadline: Final Nigerian Hajj return flight now rescheduled for Tuesday, 2 July 2025, citing earlier delays due to airspace congestion and flight disruptions. Breakdown: Max Air – 6,019 pilgrims remaining (1,120 daily capacity), UMZA – 4,850 pilgrims (796 seat capacity), Flynas– 2,480 pilgrims (819 seat capacity), Air Peace – 1,635 pilgrims (315 seat aircraft).

10. Pakistan opens mandatory registration for Hajj 2026, closing July 9. No registration fee required. Applies to all Pakistanis, including those abroad.

11. Head of Iranian Hajj Mission, Dr. Alireza Bayat, praised Saudi Arabia for delivering a “model” Hajj 1446, with high satisfaction among Iranian pilgrims.

12. SUHA (Sarawak Umrah and Hajj Association) raised fresh alarms over fake Hajj travel syndicates defrauding pilgrims in Malaysia.

13. A 42-year-old Pakistani pilgrim who suffered five heart attacks during Hajj has survived following intensive medical care and emergency procedures at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah.

14. Fun fact: Crowds during the first three months of the Hijri year are 50–70% lighterthan peak Umrah seasons (Sha’ban–Ramadan).

15. Did you know? Cooler temperatures in Rabi’ al-Awwal and Rabi’ al-Thani make Tawaf and Sa’i much more comfortable for elderly pilgrims.

16. Did you know? Most Umrah guides and Haram volunteers are more available in the off-peak months for personal support.

17. Did you know? The Umrah visa for 1447 AH now allows pilgrims to explore other Saudi cities, like Taif and Abha, after completing Umrah.

18. Did you know? The Umrah visa for 1447 AH now allows pilgrims to explore other Saudi cities, like Taif and Abha, after completing Umrah.