2026 Hajj: 70% of Nigerian Pilgrims Airlifted to Saudi Arabia
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Nigeria has achieved about 70 percent airlift of its registered pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, as authorities continue to make significant progress in transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This is according to data from Hajj Gazette 2026 Hajj Tracker, which monitors the movement of pilgrims and the ongoing airlift operations across the country.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in collaboration with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators, has continued to coordinate the exercise smoothly across various designated departure centres nationwide.
The data showed that 27,293 of Nigerian pilgrims have already arrived in Madinah and Makkah aboard different airlines engaged for the operation, including Flynas, Air Peace, MaxAir and UMZA Aviation Services.
Private tour operators have also intensified their operations, successfully transporting many of their registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia ahead of the commencement of the core Hajj rites scheduled for the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Stakeholders in the sector attributed the steady progress recorded in the exercise to improved coordination between Nigerian authorities, airlines and Saudi officials, as well as early preparations undertaken by operators involved in the pilgrimage exercise.
The ongoing airlift forms part of broader efforts by NAHCON and other stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims, while complying with Saudi Arabia’s strict operational guidelines and entry regulations.
Saudi authorities earlier reaffirmed enforcement of the “No Hajj Permit, No Hajj” policy and warned that only properly documented pilgrims would gain access to the holy sites during the pilgrimage season.
The airlift operation is expected to continue in the coming days until all registered Nigerian pilgrims and officials are fully transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
