Hajj Flakes – 26 Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. As of now, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, says a total of = 23,866 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted across 58 flights since the commencement of operations.
2. A flight departed kebbi for Madinah at about 12:21hrs carrying 427 Kebbi pilgrims as airlift activities continue from various departure centres across the country.
3. Also today, another flight departed Abuja via Maiduguri to Madinah at about 00:26hrs carrying 307 pilgrims from Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, and Yobe State, alongside 10 officials.
4. A second death has now been recorded among Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom. A pilgrim from Nasarawa State, Hajiya Rukayya Haliru, reportedly died in Makkah after a brief illness, so far, two deaths have now been recorded during the 2026 Hajj operations.
5. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has officially licensed clinics and medical outposts established by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to provide healthcare services for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom.
6. Saudi Arabia has also, for the first time, deployed National Guard forces across major streets and strategic locations in Makkah as part of strengthened security arrangements to protect pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.
7. The Haramain High-Speed Railway which connects Makkah and Madinah has announced plans to operate more than 5,300 train trips during the Hajj season, providing over 21 million seats for pilgrims and travellers.

Did you know/fun facts

1. Final Hajj return flights are often coordinated to reduce congestion during the post-Hajj transition period, including preparations for incoming Umrah operations and large-scale clean-up activities in the holy sites.
2. Most direct return flights from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria during Hajj take up to 5 hours, depending on the destination, routing, and weather conditions.
3. Pilgrims on final return flights are often among contingents that arrived late during the outbound phase or those scheduled for extended stays in Madinah after Hajj rites.
4. Some state pilgrims boards provide departing pilgrims with travel packs containing snacks, Zamzam water, identification materials, or prayer guides before return flights.
5. Hajj officials and state pilgrims board representatives often hold farewell briefings before the final return airlifts to review operations and address pilgrims’ concerns.
6. National Hajj Commission of Nigeria monitoring teams routinely supervise baggage compliance and documentation during return flights, where weight limits are strictly enforced.

SPONSORED

SPONSORED