Hajj Flakes – 17th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
1. The 2026 Hajj airlift exercise has ended with 38,888 Nigerian pilgrims successfully transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 98 flight operations.
2. The completed airlift operation represents one of the major logistical phases of this year’s Hajj, paving the way for the return journey of pilgrims to Nigeria.
3. The Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards has rated the 2026 Hajj exercise largely successful, commending the smooth airlift operations, accommodation arrangements and welfare services provided to pilgrims.
4. The forum, however, called for improvements in services at Mina and other Mashair locations while acknowledging NAHCON’s support to pilgrims during the exercise.
5. State pilgrims’ boards also commended officials and operational staff whose efforts contributed to the overall success of the 2026 Hajj.
6. Jigawa State pilgrims are set to benefit from free eye care services in Saudi Arabia following a partnership between the state pilgrims welfare board and a Makkah-based foundation.
7. The initiative will provide eye examinations, medications and cataract surgeries for eligible pilgrims as part of efforts to improve pilgrims’ welfare.
8. The first and second batches of Oyo State pilgrims are scheduled to return to Nigeria on June 5 and June 6 after successfully completing the Hajj rites.
9. Oyo pilgrims have been advised to comply with approved luggage regulations ahead of their return journey, while arrangements have been concluded for the distribution of Zam-Zam water on arrival.
10. Returning pilgrims are expected to perform Tawaf al-Wada’, the farewell circumambulation of the Ka’abah, before departing Makkah.
11. Iranian pilgrims have commenced their return journey from Saudi Arabia after completing the 2026 Hajj exercise.
12. Iranian officials say about 30,000 pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj, describing the pilgrimage as smooth and well-coordinated.
Did you know/ fun facts
13. Lost-and-found systems from Hajj often remain active after pilgrims leave Saudi Arabia because thousands of items are still being processed and matched with owners.
14. By mid-Dhul-Hijjah after Hajj, Saudi airports begin operating in “reverse peak mode,” where arrivals sharply drop and departures dominate traffic flow.
15. Many national Hajj missions only disband weeks after Hajj ends, as they remain responsible for the final wave of returning pilgrims until the last group arrives home.
16. Even after leaving Mina and Makkah, many pilgrims continue performing voluntary acts of worship inspired by the intensity of the Hajj experience.
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