2026 Hajj: NAHCON completes outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday morning successfully completed the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise.

A MaxAir flight carrying 490 pilgrims from Zamfara State departed Gusau, the state capital, for Madinah at 10:44 am, bringing the airlift of state and Armed Forces pilgrims to a close.

The four airlines engaged by NAHCON for the 2026 Hajj airlift operations — MaxAir, Air Peace, Umza Air Services and Saudi-based Flynas — airlifted a total of 38,888 registered pilgrims in 98 flights.

The outbound operations commenced on Sunday, May 3, with 473 pilgrims from Kogi State who flew from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on the inaugural flight.

The airlift operation was completed within 18 days, with an average of five flights per day.

The Saudi authorities allocated a total of 50,000 slots to Nigeria for the 2026 Hajj exercise, representing a reduction of 45,000 from the 95,000 slots Nigeria had maintained for over a decade.

The figure included 9,750 slots allocated to licensed tour operators, as well as operational support personnel and statutory officials.

NAHCON disclosed that some intending pilgrims could not travel due to unavoidable circumstances, including death and ill health, after the issuance of visas.

Meanwhile, the commission expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the orderly, peaceful and successful coordination among critical stakeholders throughout the outbound airlift operation.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the cooperation and resilience demonstrated by the commission’s board members, staff, Nigerian pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, official air carriers, security agencies, operational committees and other relevant stakeholders who contributed to the success recorded so far.

“The Commission particularly appreciates the enormous support and diligent guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the supervision of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, in ensuring the safety and overall wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims despite challenges occasioned by uncertainties in global socio-political trends,” the commission stated.

It also urged Nigerian pilgrims to understand that the Hajj exercise demands patience, discipline, sacrifice, steadfastness and fervent prayers.

NAHCON further advised pilgrims to abide by Saudi laws and regulations and avoid acts capable of attracting penalties or creating unnecessary difficulties for themselves and others.

According to the commission, “As pilgrims settle into the Holy Land for the sacred rites of Hajj, NAHCON wishes to remind them that the Hajj period is a unique moment in the life of a Muslim and equally a period that demands patience, discipline, sacrifice, steadfastness and fervent prayers.

“Pilgrims are therefore strongly advised to abide by the laws and regulations guiding Hajj operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and avoid acts capable of attracting penalties or creating unnecessary difficulties for themselves and others.

“Pilgrims are also urged to continue cooperating with officials and relevant authorities, while the Commission reassures them that arrangements for Masha’ir operations have been concluded and will be continuously monitored to safeguard their comfort and welfare.”

It further disclosed that the return flights would commence on Wednesday, June 3, when the first batch of pilgrims would return home.

“Meanwhile, preparations are being concluded for the return flight operations scheduled to commence on June 3, 2026. Details regarding return schedules will be communicated appropriately in due course.

“The Commission also assures that preparations for future Hajj operations, including the 2027 Hajj exercise, will commence immediately after the conclusion of the current pilgrimage season as part of efforts to consolidate on the successes recorded and improve service delivery.

“NAHCON prays for Allah’s acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and their safe return to their families.”