The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the inaugural flight for intending Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj take to be Sunday, May 3.
The Commission said that the inaugural flight will take off from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with FlyNas.
A statement today, April 28 by the NAHCON Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara said that other flights to take off same day are Umza and Max Air from Abuja with Kogi and Nasarawa states pilgrims respectively, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims while another FlyNas flight will takeoff from Birnin Kebbi.
The statement said that NAHCON staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have already departed in advance to prepare for the arrival of the pilgrims.
It reminded the pilgrims that airlift by each carrier will be conducted one zone at a time, adding that 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 when they will be re-grouped for the journey.
“Secondly, know 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 advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the State official (s) accompanying them on the flight.”
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf has assured the intending pilgrims that all the necessary preparations have been made to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.
