2026 Hajj: Bauchi, Plateau To Begin Airlift Of Pilgrims May 5, 7

Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced May 7, 2026, as the official date for the commencement of the airlift of the state’s intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj.

The executive secretary of the board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists in his office yesterday.

He explained that the engagement was part of the efforts to enhance operational planning and ensure strict compliance with airport regulations, following concerns over lapses recorded during last year’s hajj operations.

According to him, intending pilgrims from Plateau State will begin their airlift on May 5 and 6 from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, while Bauchi pilgrims are scheduled to commence their journey on May 7, alongside the remaining Plateau pilgrims.

Imam Idris cautioned the intending pilgrims to safeguard their e-passports, recalling an incident during the previous hajj where a pilgrim was returned to Nigeria after arriving in Saudi Arabia due to lack of proper travel documentation.

He further revealed that Bauchi State has a total of 2,090 intending pilgrims, who will be transported to Saudi Arabia in five flights for the pilgrimage.

The executive secretary also announced the appointment of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam as chairman of the Information and Publicity Committee, tasked with coordinating media activities for the exercise.

He noted that the committee, made up of journalists in the state, will help address operational challenges, particularly those previously raised by airport authorities.

Imam Idris urged journalists to strictly adhere to airport regulations to ensure a smooth and hitch-free operation.