The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said that the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj exercise will take off on May 3, 2026, marking the commencement of airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The first flight will depart from the Gateway International Airport, in Iperu-Remo with pilgrims from Ogun State travelling via Flynas.

This is the first time pilgrims from the state will depart directly from the State, following the completion of the airport.

According to a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director, Information and Publicity of NAHCON, on the same day, other flights are scheduled across the country.

Umza Aviation Services and Max Air will operate flights from Abuja, conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively.

Similarly, she said, Air Peace will airlift Oyo State pilgrims from Lagos, while another Flynas flight will depart from Birnin Kebbi.

In preparation for the exercise, NAHCON disclosed that its officials, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have already departed for Saudi Arabia to make necessary arrangements ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival.

The Commission advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to their scheduled airlift arrangements, noting that each airline will operate on a zonal basis and will not return once it concludes operations in a particular zone.

“Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from their zone will have to await regrouping and reassignment, which may delay their journey,” the Commission cautioned.

NAHCON also stressed that pilgrims must travel in designated groups of 45, in line with arrangements for the issuance of Nusuk cards, which will be ready upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims were further urged to familiarise themselves with their group members, as well as obtain contact details of their group leaders and state officials accompanying them.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured intending pilgrims that adequate preparations have been made to ensure a seamless and successful Hajj operation.