The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has released fresh directives to guide the 2025 airlift of pilgrims, introducing tighter regulations on flight processes, medical screening and group movement.
According to the commission, all Hajj carriers must issue 2026 flight tickets through State Pilgrims Welfare Boards. Pilgrims are required to receive clear information on their departure date, time and location to curb errors in pre-arrival data sent to Saudi authorities.
The commission warned that missing a flight will attract serious consequences from 2026. Each ticket will also be digitally linked to the pilgrim’s Nusuk Card, which will be placed in dedicated buses in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims will not be allowed to switch groups after visa issuance. They will travel in groups of 45, stay together through Makkah, Madinah and the Masha’ir rites, and return together. NAHCON must upload pre-arrival data 72 hours before departure on the Nusuk Masar platform, including group lists and accommodation details.
Any pilgrim absent at departure will be classified as a no-show and may bear the cost of the unused seat. Saudi Arabia’s new boarding card, containing full travel details, must be issued before every flight.
The commission also emphasised stricter enforcement of medical fitness rules. Pilgrims with any of the nine disqualifying conditions will not be allowed to travel and will bear deportation costs if they violate the rule. Only certified hospitals may issue medical fitness certificates.
State boards were reminded to remit fares promptly to avoid losing slots. Although airline allocations for 2026 have been shared, they may be adjusted after technical reviews.
The approved carriers for the 2026 Hajj are Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air and Umza Air.
