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

The inaugural airlift marks the beginning of this year Hajj operation and first time the Ogun state pilgrims will depart from the state capital with the completion of the state airport.

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

A release signed by Fatima Sanda Usara,Deputy Director, Information and Publications at the Commission added that NAHCON staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have departed in advance today Tuesday 28th April to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.

According to the statement, NAHCON advised pilgrims to note that airlift by each carrier will be conducted from one zone at a time. The commission reminded that unlike previous practice, the carrier will not return to the previous zone any longer, the moment an airlift is concluded from a zone and moves to the next.

“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 pending when they will be re-grouped for the journey.

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

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