FCTA begins airlift of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the return airlift of its pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj. The inaugural return flight, operated by Air Peace and designated APO 7929, departed Jeddah International Airport on Tuesday at about 3.55pm Saudi time (1.55pm […]
FILE PHOTO: Muslim pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, as they perform Eid Al-Adha morning prayers in Mecca, on June 28, 2023. (Photo by Abdulghani BASHEER / AFP)
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the return airlift of its pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj.
The inaugural return flight, operated by Air Peace and designated APO 7929, departed Jeddah International Airport on Tuesday at about 3.55pm Saudi time (1.55pm Nigerian time), conveying 316 FCT pilgrims directly to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to the board, additional return flights have been scheduled for June 11, 12, 13 and 15 to transport the remaining pilgrims back to Nigeria.
Speaking during post-Arafat meetings held at the various FCT pilgrims’ accommodation centres in Makkah, the Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, reminded pilgrims of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) luggage policy.
He explained that each pilgrim is entitled to two checked-in bags weighing 23 kilograms each, in addition to an eight-kilogram hand luggage allowance.
He noted that the arrangement gives pilgrims an additional 14 kilograms compared to the previous policy, which allowed a total of 40 kilograms, comprising a 32-kilogram checked bag and an eight-kilogram hand luggage.
Edah also cautioned pilgrims against carrying excess luggage and prohibited items such as liquids, gases and sharp objects to avoid delays and complications during the return journey.
Reaffirming the board’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Hajj operations and wished all pilgrims safe journeys and joyful reunions with their families.
More than 1,540 pilgrims from the FCT participated in the 2026 Hajj.