Hajj Flakes – 21 Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
- Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj airlift has reached 11,976 pilgrims within four days of operations, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria with 28 outbound flights so far according to NAHCON.
- NAHCON confirmed that the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims has begun spiritual visits in Madinah, including scheduled visits to the Prophet’s Rawdah ahead of their movement to Makkah.
- NAHCON urged pilgrims to remain patient over Rawdah access, explaining that entry is subject to crowd-control approvals and availability of booking slots.
- NAHCON has clarified reports surrounding the temporary relocation of Ogun pilgrims from Gateway International Airport, Iperu, to Lagos, insisting the adjustment was purely operational and not due to any rejection of the airport by Saudi carrier Flynas.
- The Zamfara State Hajj Commission has released its official flight schedule, with the state’s first airlift expected to commence on May 15.
- Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory who departed on the first flight have safely arrived in Madinah and are currently preparing for Ziyara visits to historic Islamic sites around the city.
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has again warned pilgrims to obtain Hajj permits only through officially approved channels, stressing that the Hajj visa remains the only valid visa for pilgrimage.
- Saudi authorities have also introduced multilingual robotic assistance systems at major reception centres to help arriving pilgrims overcome language barriers during Hajj processing.
- The Guests of the Merciful Service Center in Al-Kharj, which spans more than 50,000 square metres, can accommodate up to 35,000 pilgrims at a time.
- Madinah Airport has officially welcomed the first Hajj flight from Tunisia, with Saudi passport authorities reaffirming full readiness at all entry points for the pilgrimage season.
- Saudi Arabia has launched a nationwide Hajj volunteer programme under its Vision 2030 initiative, offering opportunities in translation, crowd management, religious guidance, and pilgrim support services.
- Saudi authorities have banned trolley bags and extra luggage during pilgrim movement to Mina in order to reduce congestion and improve camp operations during the rites.
- Syria is set to commence its first Hajj flight of the season from Damascus to Jeddah on Saturday, with authorities confirming full operational readiness at Damascus International Airport.
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