The inaugural flight for Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj operation will take off on May 3 from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, with FlyNas airlifting pilgrims from Ogun State, marking the first time pilgrims from the state will depart directly from the state capital following the construction of the airport.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, who said the development marks the formal commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift for Nigerian pilgrims.
According to the statement, other flights scheduled for the same day include Umza Air and Max Air departing from Abuja with pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively, while Air Peace will airlift pilgrims from Oyo State through Lagos. Another FlyNas flight is also scheduled to depart from Birnin Kebbi.
To ensure smooth coordination ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival in Saudi Arabia, NAHCON said its staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, departed in advance on Tuesday, April 28, to prepare for reception and other logistics in the Kingdom.
The commission advised intending pilgrims to note that airlift by each carrier would be conducted one zone at a time, warning that once an airline concludes operations in a zone and proceeds to another, it will not return to the previous location.
NAHCON warned that pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights may face delays, as they would have to wait until they are regrouped for another journey arrangement.
The commission also stressed that pilgrims must travel strictly in their assigned groups of 45, as their Nusuk cards would be prepared based on those groupings and made available upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims were therefore urged to confirm and familiarise themselves with their group members before departure to avoid complications during the journey.
Similarly, intending pilgrims were advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and state officials accompanying them on the flight for proper coordination.
Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured intending pilgrims that the commission had put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.
The commission said the measures are part of broader efforts to improve coordination and ensure seamless airlift operations for Nigerian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia this year.
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