…Kano Pilgrims airlift to commence in May
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded contractual agreement with the four official air carriers of Nigerian Pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The agreement hinged on strict compliance to obligations between the airlines and participating states also stressed on timelines and sanction in any case of failure.
Speaking shortly after reaching the agreement, the new commission Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the critical highlight in preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage was the agreement with airlines.
He however reminded that airlift operations which remains the central portion of success must be managed with all sense of responsibility.
Yusuf said although the commission appreciates the airlines’ previous performances, he was emphatic that strict compliance with operational standards in 2026 operations is non-negotiable.
According to him, “Hajj operations are time-bound and require precision and coordination to ensure Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from Saudi Arabia without disruption”.
Yusuf explained that the agreement provides recovery timelines for airlines that fall behind schedule and outlines alternative arrangements to prevent operational setbacks.
He reiterated that airlines demonstrating excellence would retain the commission’s confidence, while underperforming carriers would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement.
NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, was optimistic that lessons from the 2025 Hajj airlift would be a guide light for improved outing in the 2026 exercise.
Elegushi however emphasized on safety, transparency and efficient service delivery on the part of the carriers.
The participating airlines are Max air, Air Peace, Umza airline and Flynass a Saudi Arabi based airline.
Meanwhile, airlift of first batch of Kano Pilgrims to Saudi Arabi commences May 13, 2026.
The Director General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, released be flight schedule during a visit to the state house of assembly on Wednesday.
According to him, the flight schedule comes in line with the official airlift timetable released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Matawalle disclosed the Board’s level of preparedness for smooth and successful conveyance of about 3,300 state Pilgrims for the spiritual execise.
He said the visit to the legislature was in line with the longstanding tradition of the Board to brief the House Committee on Hajj necessary details relating to the operations prior to the commencement of airlifting.
He assured the board’s strict adherence to operational details, welfare of the Pilgrims at home and in the holy for a hitch-free pilgrimage.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and member of the House Committee on Hajj, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, applause the preparation of the board while assuring necessary legislative support.
