Yobe Intensifies Preparations For 2027 Hajj Airlift From Damaturu

The Yobe State Government has intensified preparations for the commencement of the 2027 Hajj airlift from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, with a renewed focus on meeting outstanding operational, security and regulatory requirements ahead of the pilgrimage season.

A statement issued by the Media Coordinator/Liaison Office of the SSG, Ibrahim Baba Saleh said the move followed a high-level meeting convened by the State Government to review the operational status of the airport, assess outstanding requirements and establish a coordinated pathway towards commencing Hajj airlift operations from the facility in 2027.

Chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Goje Mohammed, the meeting brought together relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, airport management, contractors and security stakeholders to review the technical, operational, security and regulatory requirements necessary for the successful commencement of Hajj airlift operations from Damaturu.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify outstanding issues and agree on specific action points required to ensure the airport is fully prepared for the planned operations.

Stakeholders were informed that the airport is currently operational and has obtained the necessary licences to facilitate operations involving large aircraft while airport management identified additional requirements, including enhanced water and firefighting equipment, patrol and staff vehicles, an alternative power supply, as well as continuous staff training and certification in line with international best practices.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Goje stressed the importance of early and coordinated planning, particularly as preparations for the 2027 Hajj season are already underway nationally.

He called for sustained collaboration among the relevant government agencies, airport management, security institutions, contractors and other stakeholders, urging them to ensure the prompt resolution of identified requirements and disciplined implementation of agreed action points.

According to him, the objective is to ensure that the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport is adequately positioned to commence Hajj airlift operations from Damaturu in 2027.

The SSG said the successful commencement of Hajj airlift from Damaturu would mark another significant milestone in the infrastructure and development agenda of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, while expanding the airport’s role beyond its cargo functions.

Dr. Goje said Governor Buni remained committed to ensuring that the Yobe International Cargo Airport serves as a strategic economic asset capable of improving connectivity, supporting trade and pilgrimage services, and opening new opportunities for Yobe State and the wider North-East region.

He commended the participating stakeholders for their commitment and assured them of the Governor’s support towards implementing the outcomes of the meeting and addressing the identified requirements.

The renewed preparations also build on Yobe’s successful 2026 Hajj operations, during which the State recorded an orderly return of its pilgrims and was reported to be the first state in the North-East to complete the return airlift of its pilgrims.

With preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift gaining momentum, the Yobe Government is seeking to leverage the International Cargo Airport as a platform for stronger connectivity, pilgrimage services, trade and wider regional economic integration.

The planned commencement of Hajj airlift operations from Damaturu is also expected to reduce the logistical burden associated with travelling to distant airports, while positioning the state capital as an emerging hub for pilgrimage-related air operations in the North-East.