By Mubarak Mahmood
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has successfully concluded the 2026 outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The final flight departed at exactly 10:44 this morning, bringing to a close the nationwide airlift operation ahead of the official Saudi deadline for inbound Hajj flights.
The airlift exercise, which began on the 3rd of May 2026, ended with a Max Air flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State through the Gusau International Airport.
The operation lasted for 18 days and recorded a total of 98 outbound flights, averaging about five flights daily across different departure centres in the country.
Nigeria was allocated a total Hajj quota of 50,000 pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
The figure includes 9,750 seats reserved for licensed tour operators, operational support personnel and government officials.
At the conclusion of the airlift, nearly 39,000 pilgrims under the government quota were successfully transported to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
The Commission disclosed that a few intending pilgrims could not travel due to unavoidable circumstances, including deaths and health challenges that occurred after visa issuance.
Despite these setbacks, NAHCON expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the smooth, peaceful and successful coordination of the operation nationwide.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the dedication and cooperation shown by board members, staff, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, airlines, security agencies, operational committees and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the exercise.
The Commission also appreciated the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims despite global socio-political challenges affecting Hajj operations.
NAHCON advised pilgrims currently in the Holy Land to remain patient, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the Hajj period.
The Commission urged them to comply strictly with Saudi regulations and continue cooperating with officials, while assuring that arrangements for Masha’ir operations have been completed and would be closely monitored to guarantee pilgrims’ welfare and comfort.
Meanwhile, the Commission announced that preparations for the return airlift are already underway, with return flights scheduled to commence on the 3rd of June 2026.
NAHCON added that planning for the 2027 Hajj operation will begin immediately after the current pilgrimage season, as part of efforts to improve service delivery and consolidate on the successes recorded this year.
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