12,680 pilgrims return to Nigeria, says NAHCON

The commission says the pilgrims were transported in 27 flights.

Mohammed Sanda, Head of Aviation Unit of the Commission, told newsmen in Jeddah on Thursday that the operation had been going on smoothly.

He attributed the success so far recorded to improved communication between the Control Centre of the Commission at the airport, NAHCON office in Makkah and the airlines.

He said that where any hiccup was noticed either at the airport or with aircraft, information was passed to the authorities of the pilgrims in Makkah in order for them not to send the pilgrims to the airport.

According to Sanda, if the control centre noticed congestion at the airport, the airlines were quickly alerted and in some cases advised to reschedule the flight.

He expressed optimism that the operation would be concluded before the deadline.