Nigeria to Conclude 2026 Hajj Return Airlift on June 23
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Nigeria will conclude the return airlift of its 2026 Hajj pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 23, according to the latest operational update from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The commission disclosed that airlines participating in the post-Hajj transportation exercise have so far conducted 77 flights and successfully returned 30,523 pilgrims, officials, and other stakeholders to Nigeria.
The ongoing airlift operation, which began shortly after the completion of the Hajj rites, has recorded steady progress as authorities work to ensure the safe and timely return of all Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON and the designated carriers have continued to coordinate logistics and flight schedules to maintain a smooth operation across various departure points in the Kingdom.
The commission has also monitored the process closely to address operational challenges and ensure compliance with aviation and safety requirements.
The return exercise has involved pilgrims from different states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
Several states have already completed the transportation of their pilgrims, while others are finalizing arrangements for their remaining contingents.
Stakeholders and other observers have commended the pace of the operation, noting that the airlift has remained largely orderly despite the large number of pilgrims involved.
The successful movement of more than 30,000 pilgrims within a relatively short period highlights the extensive coordination between Nigerian and Saudi authorities, airline operators, and state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
With only a few days remaining before the conclusion of the exercise, NAHCON expressed optimism that all outstanding pilgrims would return home as scheduled.
The completion of the June 23 airlift will formally bring Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj transportation operations to a close, marking the end of another major phase in the country’s annual pilgrimage program.
