2026 Hajj: Nigeria’s inaugural flight departs from Ogun May 3

The inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj exercise from Nigeria will take off on May 3 from the Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta, Ogun State, marking a major milestone for the state’s pilgrims.

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, announced that the flight, operated by FlyNas, would be the first time pilgrims from Ogun State would depart directly from the state capital following the construction of the airport.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Information and Publications at NAHCON, Fatima Sanda-Usara.

According to the commission, other inaugural flights scheduled for the same day include Umza and Max Air departures from Abuja conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively, while Air Peace will airlift pilgrims from Oyo State through Lagos.

Another FlyNas flight is also expected to depart from Birnin Kebbi on the same day.

NAHCON stated that its staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, had departed for Saudi Arabia ahead of the pilgrims to make necessary arrangements for their arrival and welfare during the pilgrimage.

The commission advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to their flight schedules, warning that each airline would conduct the airlift operation one zone at a time.

According to the statement, once an airline concludes operations in a particular zone and moves to another, it will not return to the previous location.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria advises pilgrims to note that airlift by each carrier will be conducted one zone at a time. Once airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone,” the statement said.

It warned that pilgrims who miss their scheduled flights may face delays and additional challenges, including waiting to be regrouped for another departure.

NAHCON also stressed that pilgrims must travel strictly within their designated groups of 45 persons, explaining that their Nusuk cards — official identification and access permits for Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia — would already be prepared based on those group arrangements.

The commission therefore urged pilgrims to familiarise themselves with members of their groups before departure and obtain the contact details of their group leaders as well as state officials accompanying them on the journey.

“The pilgrims are advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the state officials accompanying them on the flight,” the statement added.

NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Abba-Yusuf, assured intending pilgrims that the commission had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to providing efficient coordination and support services throughout the pilgrimage period.