Bauchi, Plateau Pilgrims Depart for Saudi Arabia in First Combine Flight
By Faiza Musa Adamu
The first batch of intending pilgrims from Bauchi and Plateau states has departed Nigeria for the 2026 Hajj exercise following the successful takeoff of a Max Air flight from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi.
The aircraft departed on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., conveying a total of 378 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims onboard included 318 intending pilgrims from Bauchi State and 160 pilgrims from Plateau State.
The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdulrahman Ibrahim Idris, confirmed that the second batch of pilgrims will depart on Friday, May 8, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m.
He also advised intending pilgrims to report early at the Hajj camp ahead of departure procedures. According to officials, screening and documentation processes would commence at the camp before pilgrims are transported to the airport.
Idris further urged all pilgrims to arrive before 7:00 a.m. to ensure smooth screening and clearance procedures, stressing that compliance with the timetable would help avoid delays during the airlift operation.
The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board earlier announced that it would commence the 2026 Hajj airlift operation from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, with pilgrims from Bauchi and Plateau states departing in phases.
