2026 Hajj: Private Tour Operators Begin Airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Private tour operators in Nigeria have commenced the airlift of their registered pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of outbound operations for this year’s pilgrimage.
One of the operators, Belas Travels, successfully airlifted a total of 69 pilgrims from Lagos to Madina aboard Qatar Airways.
The pilgrims comprised 38 male and 31 female intending pilgrims who departed from Lagos as part of arrangements coordinated by the company for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
The development signals the gradual commencement of Hajj transportation activities by licensed private tour operators across the country ahead of the peak pilgrimage period in Saudi Arabia.
Industry stakeholders said the movement of pilgrims through private operators remains an important component of Nigeria’s overall Hajj operations, providing alternative travel and accommodation packages for intending pilgrims seeking customized services.
The departure from Lagos also reflects ongoing collaboration between Nigerian tour operators and international airlines to ensure smooth transportation of pilgrims to the holy land.
Madina remains one of the major arrival points for international pilgrims heading for the Hajj, where many pilgrims usually spend several days in worship before proceeding to Makkah for the main rites of the pilgrimage.
The 2026 Hajj exercise has continued to record increased movement of pilgrims from different countries, with Saudi authorities intensifying preparations at airports, border points and accommodation facilities to manage the influx of worshippers expected for this year’s pilgrimage season.
More Nigerian pilgrims are expected to depart in the coming days through both state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators as the airlift operation gathers momentum.
