Hajj 2026: Nigeria to Begin Pilgrims Airlift from Ogun, Sunday
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced its readiness to begin airlift of intending pilgrims on Sunday, the 3rd of May, with an inaugural flight from the Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with FlyNas.
The NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf assures Nigerian intending pilgrims that the Commission has put all the necessary preparations in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.
Other flights scheduled to fly same day are Umza and Max Air from Abuja with Kogi and Nasarawa states pilgrims respectively. Air Peace will depart from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims, while another FlyNas flight will depart Birnin Kebbi.
Consequently, NAHCON’s advance team comprising the staff and ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, departed Nigeria on Tuesday to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON therefore advised that pilgrims must travel strictly under their group of 45, whose Nusuk cards will be ready and awaiting their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hence, every pilgrim is advised to confirm and familiarize themselves with group members prior to the journey.
Similarly, pilgrims are tasked to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the state official(s) accompanying them on the flight.
NAHCON stressed that pilgrims must take note that airlift by each carrier will be conducted one zone at a time. Once airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone. Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from that zone must bear the consequences of moving to the next available one. Other fallouts include having to wait pending another re-grouping for the journey.
A statement by NAHCON deputy director, information and publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the inaugural airlift from Ogun State marks the first time the Ogun state pilgrims will depart from the state capital with the construction of the airport.
