The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed Sunday, May 3, 2026, for the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the year’s Hajj exercise, with the first departure scheduled to take off from the Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The inaugural flight, which will be operated by Saudi-based airline FlyNas, marks a historic milestone for Ogun State as it will, for the first time, host the departure of its pilgrims following the completion and operationalisation of its international airport.
NAHCON disclosed that the commencement of the airlift signals the formal start of the 2026 Hajj operations, which will see simultaneous departures from different parts of the country on the same day under a zonal arrangement.
According to the schedule, Umza Aviation and Max Air will also begin operations on May 3 from Abuja, conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively. Air Peace is expected to airlift pilgrims from Lagos, primarily those from Oyo State, while another FlyNas flight will depart Birnin Kebbi for Kebbi State pilgrims.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission confirmed that NAHCON officials, including members of the National Medical Team on ad hoc deployment, have already departed Nigeria on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to Saudi Arabia to prepare reception arrangements for incoming pilgrims.
NAHCON also announced a new operational framework for the 2026 exercise, stressing that pilgrims will now be airlifted strictly on a zonal basis, with no return to previous zones once operations move forward.
The commission warned that any pilgrim who misses his or her scheduled flight from a designated zone would not be automatically accommodated in earlier flights, adding that such persons would have to await regrouping under subsequent arrangements.
“Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from their zone must bear the consequences of joining the next available arrangement,” the statement warned, noting that this may lead to delays in travel plans and extended waiting periods.
NAHCON further reiterated that all pilgrims must travel strictly in groups of 45, which will be pre-assigned and linked to Nusuk cards already prepared for use upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The commission emphasised that pilgrims are expected to familiarise themselves with members of their respective groups before departure, as well as obtain contact details of their group leaders and accompanying state officials to ensure smooth coordination during the exercise.
According to the commission, the group-based arrangement is designed to improve coordination, enhance welfare monitoring, and streamline logistics throughout the pilgrimage period.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismaila Abba Yusuf, assured Nigerian intending pilgrims that all necessary logistics and operational frameworks have been concluded to guarantee a seamless 2026 Hajj exercise.
Yusuf reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency in the airlift and pilgrimage management process, adding that lessons from previous exercises have been incorporated into the current arrangements.
He urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to instructions from officials and avoid actions that could disrupt the carefully coordinated schedule.
With preparations intensifying both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, NAHCON said its advance team is already on ground to coordinate accommodation, feeding, transportation, and medical services for pilgrims.
The commission described the simultaneous multi-city departures as part of efforts to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and ensure timely completion of the airlift exercise within the approved Hajj calendar.
As departure day approaches, NAHCON has called on pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, and airline operators to adhere strictly to guidelines, warning that discipline and punctuality will be critical to the success of the 2026 Hajj operation.
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