2026 Hajj: Nigeria Schedules First Flight For May 3

The inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj from Nigeria will take off from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on May 3, 2026, with FlyNas.

This was revealed in a statement yesterday by Fatima Sanda Usara, deputy director of Information and Publications, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This marks the first time the Ogun State pilgrims will depart from the state capital with the construction of the airport.

Other flights that will take off on the same day are Umza and Max Air from Abuja, with Kogi and Nasarawa State pilgrims, respectively, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims, and another FlyNas flight from Birnin Kebbi.

Consequently, NAHCON staff, including ad-hoc members of the National Medical Team, departed yesterday to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON advised the pilgrims that airlift by each carrier will be conducted in one zone at a time. Once the airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone. 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 until they are re-grouped for the journey.

“Secondly, know that pilgrims must travel strictly within their group of 45, whose Nusuk cards will be ready upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hence, every pilgrim is advised to confirm and familiarise 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) who will accompany them on the flight.”

The NAHCON chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured Nigerian intending pilgrims that the Commission has put in place all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj.