Nigeria Begins 2026 Hajj Airlift as First Pilgrims Depart from Abeokuta

The first batch of Nigerian pilgrims bound for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia is set to take off today, May 3, from the Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta, Ogun State — marking the first time Ogun State pilgrims will depart directly from their home state rather than travelling to Lagos.

The inaugural flight, operated by FlyNas, was confirmed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara. The flight is part of a multi-airline, multi-state rollout that kicks off the same day across the country.

Airlift Roll-Out Across Five States

Also in the air today: Umza and Max Air flights departing Abuja carrying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively, an Air Peace flight from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims, and another FlyNas departure from Birnin Kebbi for Kebbi State pilgrims.

NAHCON staff — including the ad hoc National Medical Team — already flew out on April 28 to Saudi Arabia to set up reception arrangements ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival.

Warnings to Pilgrims: Don’t Miss Your Flight

NAHCON issued a firm advisory to intending pilgrims: airlift operations will be conducted zone by zone, and once a carrier wraps up one zone and moves to the next, there is no going back.

“Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from that zone must bear the consequences of moving to the next available one,” Usara said. “Other fallouts include having to wait pending when they will be re-grouped for the journey.”

Every pilgrim must travel strictly within their assigned group of 45 — the so-called Nusuk card system — with cards ready and waiting upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. NAHCON advised all pilgrims to confirm their group members, know their group leader, and have the contact details of state officials accompanying them on the flight.

Jet A1 Concerns, But FG Says It’s Under Control

The airlift begins against the backdrop of a volatile aviation fuel market that nearly grounded domestic airlines last month. The Federal Government has assured that the Hajj operation will not be disrupted, with policy options under consideration to support airlines on fuel costs for the pilgrimage season. NAHCON Chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf said the Commission has “put all the necessary preparations in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.”

Sources: Daily Trust, NAHCON, Vanguard, Guardian Nigeria