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Hajj Operations: NAHCON Announces Date for Inaugural Flight

by admin on | 2026-04-29 11:32:56

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Hajj Operations: NAHCON Announces Date for Inaugural Flight 

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced May 3rd as the date for its inaugural flight for Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj operations, scheduled to depart from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, with FlyNas.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information and Publications at NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara: “The development marks the first time pilgrims from Ogun State will depart directly from the state capital, following the construction of the airport.”

On the same day, other flights will also take off: Umza Air and Max Air will depart from Abuja, the nation’s capital, conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively; Air Peace will airlift pilgrims from Oyo State via Lagos; while another FlyNas flight will depart from Birnin Kebbi, Northwest Nigeria.

Meanwhile, officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have already departed on Tuesday, April 28, in advance of Saudi Arabia in order to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.

“The Commission has advised all intending pilgrims to note that airlift operations will be conducted on a zonal basis, with each airline handling one zone at a time. Once a carrier completes airlift from a particular zone and proceeds to another, it will not return to the previous zone. Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights may have to wait until they are regrouped for subsequent departures.

“Furthermore, NAHCON emphasized that pilgrims must travel strictly within their assigned groups of forty five people, as their Nusuk cards will be prepared in accordance with these groupings ahead of their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are therefore advised to confirm and familiarize themselves with their group members before departure.”

“Pilgrims are also encouraged to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the state officials accompanying them on the journey.”

“The NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured all intending pilgrims that the Commission has made adequate arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.”