By Soliu Oyesiji
Barring any last-minute changes, the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will depart for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 3, 2026, Hajj Reporters has exclusively gathered.
A tentative flight schedule sighted by our correspondent indicates that the four approved airlines will each operate one flight on the opening day of the airlift, marking the formal commencement of the annual pilgrimage movement from Nigeria.
The airlift is scheduled to last 16 days, signaling an improvement numbers days utilised to operate the first batch of airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
Although the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the apex Hajj regulatory body, has yet to officially announce the start date for the airlift, some states have announced airlift timelines.
For instance, the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced May 13 as the date for the commencement of airlift for its intending pilgrims.
An official confirmation from NAHCON is expected in the coming days.
