NAHCON Issues Fresh Warning On Zamzam Water As Hajj Return Airlift Begins

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned Nigerian pilgrims returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not to carry Zamzam water or other prohibited items in their luggage as the 2026 Hajj return airlift begins.

The Commission said the advisory is aimed at ensuring a smooth and orderly homeward movement as the post-Hajj evacuation process gets underway in phases.

In a statement, NAHCON announced that the return airlift commenced on Thursday with 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State departing after about 30 days in Saudi Arabia. It added that additional flights were scheduled later in the day as part of the ongoing operations.

NAHCON urged pilgrims to strictly comply with the approved baggage allowance, which permits two checked-in bags of not more than 23 kilogrammes each, alongside one hand luggage not exceeding 8 kilogrammes. It also warned that multiple hand luggage items would not be allowed.

The Commission further disclosed that baggage screening would be carried out 48 hours before each scheduled departure to speed up processing and ensure timely arrival of luggage in Nigeria.

It specifically warned pilgrims against packing Zamzam water or other restricted items in their luggage, noting that such items would be confiscated during screening.

“Confiscation could expose luggage to tampering and cause delays in the departure process,” the Commission said.

NAHCON also listed prohibited items to include flammable substances such as lighter fluid, lithium batteries and power banks in checked luggage, aerosols, excessive liquids, and sharp objects in hand baggage.

The Commission expressed appreciation to the four official air carriers handling the 2026 Hajj operations for maintaining scheduled flights despite rising aviation fuel costs.

It also assured the airlines of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring they do not suffer financial losses from the airlift exercise.

NAHCON said the return airlift would continue in phases until all Nigerian pilgrims are safely transported back home.