Katsina Airlifts 664 Intending Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia For 2026 Hajj

No fewer than 664 intending pilgrims out of the 2,035 registered from Katsina State have been airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise through the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina.

The first batch of 411 pilgrims, comprising 283 men and 128 women, departed for Madina on Monday aboard a Max Air aircraft.

The second flight, conveying 253 pilgrims, also departed for the Holy Land on Wednesday.

Earlier, while addressing the intending pilgrims, the deputy governor of Katsina State, Faruq Lawal-Jobe, prayed for their safe journey and successful return after the completion of the religious exercise.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and strictly adhere to all rules and guidelines communicated during their Hajj orientation.

Also speaking, the chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Kabir Bature, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly departure of the first batch of pilgrims.

Bature said the board remained optimistic that subsequent flights conveying pilgrims from the state would also proceed smoothly and successfully.

He noted that although Hajj operations typically come with yearly challenges, preparations for this year’s exercise had been relatively easier due to early measures taken by the state government and the board.

He disclosed that the third flight is expected to depart Katsina at midnight, conveying more than 400 additional pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

One of the intending pilgrims, Aminu Wali, expressed confidence that they would comply with new measures and regulations introduced by Saudi authorities, particularly those relating to health requirements.

He added that despite the stringent conditions, pilgrims were fully prepared to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their stay in the Kingdom.