Hajj 2026: NAHCON addresses inaugural flight on May 3,

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has set the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise of the year on Sunday, May 3, 2026, with the first departure scheduled to take off from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The inaugural flight, which will be operated by Saudi airline FlyNas, marks a historic milestone for Ogun State as it will host, for the first time, the departure of its pilgrims following the completion and commissioning of its international airport.

NAHCON revealed that the start of the airlift marks 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.

Under the schedule, Umza Aviation and Max Air will also begin operations on May 3 from Abuja, carrying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively. Air Peace is expected to airlift pilgrims from Lagos, mainly those from Oyo State, while another FlyNas flight will depart from Birnin Kebbi for pilgrims from Kebbi State.

In a statement released by the Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission confirmed that NAHCON officials, including members of the national medical team engaged in an ad hoc deployment, have already left Nigeria on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 for Saudi Arabia to prepare reception arrangements for the arriving pilgrims.

NAHCON also announced a new operational framework for the 2026 exercise, noting 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 a scheduled flight from a designated area will not automatically be accommodated on earlier flights, adding that such people will have to wait for regrouping under subsequent arrangements.

“Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from their area must bear the consequences of joining the next available agreement,” the statement warned, noting that this could lead to delays in travel plans and extended waiting periods.

NAHCON also 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 stressed that pilgrims should familiarize themselves with members of their respective groups before departure, as well as obtain contact details of group leaders and state officials accompanying them to ensure good coordination during the exercise.

According to the commission, the group agreement is designed to improve coordination, enhance welfare monitoring and simplify logistics throughout the pilgrimage period.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismaila Abba Yusuf, has assured intending Nigerian pilgrims that all necessary logistical and operational facilities have been concluded to ensure a seamless Hajj 2026 exercise.

Yusuf reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring safety, comfort and efficiency in the process of managing air transport and pilgrimage, adding that lessons from previous exercises have been incorporated into the current arrangements.

He urged pilgrims to strictly follow officials’ instructions and avoid actions that could disrupt the carefully coordinated program.

As preparations intensify in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, NAHCON said its advance team is already on site to coordinate accommodation, food, transportation and medical services for the pilgrims.

The commission described the simultaneous departures from multiple cities as part of efforts to reduce congestion, improve efficiency and ensure timely completion of the airlift exercise within the approved Hajj calendar.

As the day of departure approaches, NAHCON called on pilgrims, state pilgrim welfare bodies and airline operators to strictly adhere to the guidelines, warning that discipline and punctuality will be crucial to the success of the 2026 Hajj operation.

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