Nigerian Pilgrims leave for Saudi Arabia on Sunday
Ogun pilgrims to lead first departure as nationwide airlift begins under strict grouping and phased flight schedule
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj will depart from Gateway International Airport on 3 May.
In a press release signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director of Information and Publications, the commission confirmed that the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims will be from Ogun State.
The flight will be operated by Flynas, marking the first time pilgrims from the state will depart directly from Abeokuta following the development of the airport.
Other flights scheduled for the same day include departures from Abuja, where Umza Aviation and Max Air will airlift pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states.
Air Peace is expected to operate from Lagos with pilgrims from Oyo State, while another Flynas flight will depart from Birnin Kebbi.
NAHCON said the airlift will be carried out in phases, with each airline operating within designated zones.
“Once airlift is concluded from one zone, the carrier will move to the next and will not return,” the commission said.
It warned that pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights may face delays and will have to wait to be regrouped for the next available movement.
The commission also directed that pilgrims must travel strictly in groups of 45, in line with Nusuk card arrangements prepared ahead of their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims were advised to familiarise themselves with members of their groups and obtain contact details of group leaders and accompanying state officials.
NAHCON said staff, including members of the national medical team, have already departed for Saudi Arabia to prepare for the arrival of pilgrims.
The airlift operation will involve four main carriers, with allocations as follows: Max Air (12,707 pilgrims), Flynas (11,449), Umza Aviation (8,766), and Air Peace (6,341).
The Chairman of NAHCON, Ismail Abba Yusuf, said all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise
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