By Bello Yusuf
(SINL NIGERIA) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj from Nigeria will take off on May 3 from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, marking a historic first for Ogun State pilgrims departing directly from the state capital.
A statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director, Information and Publications, NAHCON said.
The flight, operated by FlyNas, signifies a milestone following the completion of the airport. On the same day, other departures are scheduled across the country: Umza and Max Air flights from Abuja will airlift pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively, while Air Peace will transport pilgrims from Oyo State via Lagos. Another FlyNas flight is also scheduled to depart from Birnin Kebbi.
In preparation for the exercise, NAHCON staff, including members of the National Medical Team, departed Nigeria on Tuesday, April 28, ahead of the arrival of intending pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The Commission has issued key guidelines to ensure a smooth airlift process. It stated that flights will be conducted on a zonal basis, warning that once a carrier completes operations in a zone and proceeds to another, it will not return.
Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights will have to wait for regrouping before being reassigned.
NAHCON also emphasized that pilgrims must travel in groups of 45, as their Nusuk cards will be prepared accordingly in Saudi Arabia.
Intending pilgrims have been advised to familiarize themselves with their group members, as well as obtain contact details of their group leaders and accompanying state officials.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to guarantee a seamless and successful 2026 Hajj operation.
