A total of 38,888 Nigerian pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise through 98 outbound flights operated by four designated air carriers, according to official airlift statistics.
This is based on data provided by NAHCON commands and control units as compiled and analyzed by Independent Hajj Reporters 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team. Though, the exact numbers may be different from the analysis provided but so far this is what IHR Media Monitoring Team gathered.
The data showed that 38,050 pilgrims had also been returned to Nigeria through 97 inbound flights at the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
Max Air transported the highest number of outbound pilgrims, airlifting 14,701 pilgrims in 31 flights. Flynas followed with 11,005 pilgrims in 30 flights, while Umza Aviation and Air Peace transported 6,917 and 6,265 pilgrims respectively.
On the return journey, Max Air recorded the highest number of pilgrims airlifted with 11,978 pilgrims in 25 flights, followed by Flynas with 11,252 pilgrims in 32 flights. Umza Aviation returned 8,761 pilgrims in 20 flights, while Air Peace airlifted 6,059 pilgrims in 20 flights.
The statistics also indicated that 780 officials were airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj operation, while 783 officials were transported back to Nigeria.
Overall, the four carriers operated a combined 195 flights for both outbound and inbound operations, underscoring the scale of the airlift exercise undertaken for the 2026 Hajj season.
