Hajj 2026: NAHCON announces inaugural flight date, promises smooth operations
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj will be held this weekend at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun State, assuring the pilgrims of smooth exercise.
This is contained in a press release, signed by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Tuesday.
Sandra specified that the first flight for the year’s Hajj, is
scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026 with FlyNas, marking the first time the Ogun state pilgrims will depart from the state with the construction of the airport.
She added that other flights to take off the same day are: Umza and Max Air from Abuja with Kogi and Nasarawa states pilgrims respectively, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims, while another FlyNas flight will take off from Birnin Kebbi.
Following this, Sandra disclosed that NAHCON staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have departed in advance today, Tuesday, to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON has therefore advised pilgrims to note that airlift by each carrier will be conducted one zone at a time, adding that once airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone.
The release added: “Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from that zone must bear the consequences of moving to the next available one. Other fallouts include having to wait, pending when they will be re-grouped for the journey.
“Secondly, know that pilgrims must travel strictly under
their group of 45 whose Nusuk cards will be ready and awaiting their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hence every pilgrim is advised to confirm and familiarize themselves with group members prior to the journey.
“Similarly, pilgrims are advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the State official (s) accompanying them on the flight.
Meanwhile NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf has assured Nigerian intending pilgrims that the Commission has put all the necessary preparations in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.
