NAHCON concludes airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to S/Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation was concluded at 10:44am, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s deadline for inbound Hajj flights before […]

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation was concluded at 10:44am, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s deadline for inbound Hajj flights before the commencement of Hajj rites.

She said the final flight, operated by Max Air, conveyed pilgrims from Zamfara State and departed from Gusau International Airport.

She said the airlift operation commenced on May 3, 2026, and ended after 18 days with a total of 98 outbound flights, averaging about five flights daily.

“Nigeria was allocated a total Hajj quota of 50,000 pilgrims for the 2026 exercise. This figure includes 9,750 slots allocated to licensed tour operators, as well as operational support personnel and statutory officials,” she said.

Usara added that about 39,000 pilgrims under the government quota, excluding officials and government representatives, were successfully transported to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

She noted that some intending pilgrims were unable to travel due to unavoidable circumstances, including illness and death after visa issuance.

The commission commended stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the exercise, including state pilgrims’ welfare boards, tour operators, air carriers, security agencies and operational committees.

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support towards ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

The commission urged pilgrims to obey Saudi regulations and cooperate with officials throughout the Hajj period.

It added that arrangements for Masha’ir operations had been concluded, while return flights are scheduled to commence on June 3, 2026.