2026 Hajj: Kano Airlifts 544 Pilgrims in Third Flight to Madina
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board on Sunday airlifted 544 pilgrims to Madina in the third batch of its 2026 Hajj operations, as the Deputy Amirul Hajj and Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, urged pilgrims to uphold discipline and pray for Nigeria’s progress during the pilgrimage.
The third batch departed aboard Max Air Flight VM3027 from the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, to King Muhammad Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina, at 9:31 p.m.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony at the airport, the Emir of Karaye prayed for the safe journey and successful Hajj exercise for the pilgrims. He also charged them to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia and to offer prayers for peace, unity, and development in Kano State and the country at large.
As part of support for the pilgrims, the Emir presented a gift of 100 Saudi Riyals to pilgrims from Tsanyawa Local Government Area on behalf of the council chairman.
Also addressing the pilgrims, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, commended the Chairman of Tsanyawa Local Government for supporting the intending pilgrims.
Matawalle further reassured the pilgrims that the Kano State Government would redeem its pledge to provide each pilgrim with 200 Saudi Riyals upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The flight conveyed pilgrims from 10 Local Government Areas, namely Tsanyawa, Bichi, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Makoda, Minjibir, Ghari, Gabasawa, and Dambatta.
According to the board, the flight carried a total of 544 pilgrims, comprising 284 females and 260 males.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has continued the phased airlift of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia ahead of the commencement of the 2026 Hajj rites.
