2026 Hajj: Nigeria Records 6,892 Pilgrims Return as Four States Complete Airlift
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the 2026 Hajj is gathering momentum, with four states already completing the transportation of their pilgrims back home from Saudi Arabia.
Latest figures from the Hajj Gazette 2026 Hajj Tracker indicate that Nasarawa, Gombe, Kogi and Ogun states have successfully concluded their return operations. Nasarawa returned 1,574 pilgrims, Gombe 941, Kogi 471 and Ogun 685 pilgrims.
The tracker also shows that Kwara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Oyo and Osun states have commenced their return airlift operations, with flights continuing to arrive in Nigeria.
As of the latest update, a total of 6,892 Nigerian pilgrims has returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing approximately 18 per cent of all Nigerians who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The ongoing operation has so far recorded 18 inbound flights from Jeddah to various destinations across Nigeria, marking a significant phase in the post-Hajj transportation exercise coordinated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the approved air carriers.
A breakdown of airline performance shows that Flynas has transported the highest number of returning pilgrims, operating eight flights that conveyed 2,666 pilgrims.
Max Air follows closely with five flights carrying a total of 2,621 pilgrims, Air Peace has operated two flights, transporting 628 pilgrims, while Umza Aviation has completed three flights with 977 pilgrims on board.
The return airlift commenced on June 3, shortly after the completion of Hajj rites and is expected to continue in phases until all Nigerian pilgrims are safely transported back to their respective states.
Officials have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the operation, noting that the exercise has so far proceeded smoothly with steady flight schedules and coordinated logistics between Nigerian and Saudi authorities.
