Nigeria's 2026 Hajj Airlift Starts May 3 from Ogun State

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift for the 2026 Hajj will begin on May 3. The inaugural flight will depart from Gatewai International Airport in Abeokuta, Ogun State, marking the first time pilgrims from the state capital will fly directly for the Hajj.

Fatima Sanda Usara, the spokesperson for NAHCON, confirmed that flights will also be organized for pilgrims from Abuja, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. NAHCON staff, including an ad hoc medical team, will depart on April 28 to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.

Usara advised that the airlift will be conducted on a zonal basis, and once the airlift concludes in a zone, the carrier will not return for any missed flights. Pilgrims are required to travel strictly in groups of 45, and they must be familiar with their group members before the journey.

NAHCON Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf assured that necessary preparations are in place to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.