The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise will commence on May 3.
The commission’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Usara said the inaugural flight would depart from Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta, marking the first time pilgrims from the state would depart from the state capital following the construction of the airport.
She added that other flights scheduled for the same day include operations by Umza Aviation Services Limited and Max Air from Abuja, conveying pilgrims from Kogi State and Nasarawa State, respectively.
According to her, Air Peace will transport pilgrims from Lagos with those from Oyo State, while another flight operated by Flynas will depart from Birnin Kebbi.
She further disclosed that NAHCON staff, including members of the National Medical Team, had departed earlier on Tuesday to make preparations ahead of the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Usara advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to their designated flight schedules, noting that each airline would complete airlift operations in one zone before moving to another.
She warned that pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights risk delays, as they would have to wait until they are regrouped for subsequent departures.
The spokesperson also advised pilgrims to travel strictly in groups of 45, as their Nusuk cards would be prepared ahead of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
She urged pilgrims to obtain contact details of their group leaders and state officials accompanying them on the journey.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured intending pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.
