According to a news report from Blueprint, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intervened in the recent delay of Kwara State pilgrims' airlift caused by technical problems detected before the departure of the Maddina-bound Azman aircraft from Ilorin Airport.

Competent sources at the commission and airport officials informed journalists that the pilgrims were initially supposed to be airlifted by Air Peace, but Air Peace had hired Azman for the operation on their behalf.

“Max Air that carried out the rescue operation departed Ilorin with all the pilgrims around 3am to Maddina.

“The rescued flight has landed by 11am at Maddina international Airport with 286 pilgrims and 10 officials today (Saturday)”, the sources said.

Also senior officials of NAHCON, when contacted on phone, also confirmed the rescue flight by Max Air. The officials said the chairman of the commission Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi arranged with Max Air to airlift to Saudi Arabia.