Nigeria has successfully airlifted approximately 70 per cent of its registered pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, with operations proceeding smoothly across all departure centres nationwide.
According to the Hajj Gazette 2026 tracker, 27,293 pilgrims have already arrived in Madinah and Makkah. The flights are being operated by Flynas, Air Peace, MaxAir, and UMZA Aviation Services.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is coordinating the exercise in collaboration with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators. Private operators have also significantly increased their airlift capacity, transporting many of their registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia ahead of the core Hajj rites, which commence on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Stakeholders attribute the steady progress to improved coordination among Nigerian authorities, airlines, and Saudi officials, as well as early preparations by operators.
The ongoing airlift forms part of NAHCON’s broader strategy to ensure a hitch-free Hajj while adhering strictly to Saudi Arabia’s operational guidelines. Saudi authorities have reaffirmed their “No Hajj Permit, No Hajj” policy, warning that only properly documented pilgrims will be granted access to the holy sites.
The airlift is expected to continue in the coming days until all registered Nigerian pilgrims and officials have been transported for the 2026 pilgrimage.
