By Soliu Oyesiji
Ogun State will host the inaugural flight for Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj, scheduled to take off from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, on May 3.
The flight, operated by FlyNas, will mark the first time pilgrims from the state will depart directly from the capital following the construction of the airport.
Other flights slated for the same day include Umza and Max Air operations from Abuja conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo pilgrims, and another FlyNas flight from Birnin Kebbi.
Meanwhile, staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), including members of the National Medical Team, departed on Tuesday to Saudi Arabia ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival.
The commission advised intending pilgrims to adhere strictly to their flight schedules, noting that airlift operations would be conducted zone by zone.
“Once airlift is concluded from a zone, the carrier will not return. Pilgrims who miss their flight will have to wait to be regrouped for subsequent movement,” the commission said.
NAHCON also directed pilgrims to travel strictly in their groups of 45, as required for Nusuk card arrangements in Saudi Arabia, and urged them to familiarise themselves with group members before departure.
Pilgrims were further advised to obtain contact details of their group leaders and accompanying state officials.
The NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, assured that adequate arrangements had been put in place for a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
