2026 Hajj: Nigeria Begins Return Airlift Of Pilgrims Wednesday

The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj is set to commence on Wednesday, beginning with pilgrims from Nasarawa State, who will be the first batch to return to the country.

According to a statement from Flynas, one of the Saudi-designated carriers for Nigerian Hajj operations, pilgrims from Ogun and Kebbi States will follow on June 4 as part of the scheduled return arrangement.

The airline disclosed that it has deployed six Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for the inbound operation, aimed at ensuring a smooth, efficient, and well-coordinated repatriation of pilgrims to Nigeria after the completion of Hajj rites.

It further explained that the first return flight carrying Ogun State pilgrims will depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and arrive at the Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta. In the same vein, the first batch of Kebbi State pilgrims will be flown from Jeddah to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.

Flynas added that two additional return flights are scheduled for June 5, also from Jeddah to Abeokuta and Birnin Kebbi respectively, as part of its phased evacuation plan.

The airline noted that the structured arrangement was designed to prevent delays and ensure that all pilgrims return home safely and in good order after fulfilling their religious obligations.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Planet Travels Limited, who also serves as Flynas’ General Sales Agent in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila, said comprehensive preparations had been concluded for a seamless return operation.

Kaila stated that the exercise would be conducted in line with international aviation standards, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety, comfort, and operational efficiency.

He revealed that during the outbound phase, Flynas successfully transported 11,342 Nigerian pilgrims and officials to Saudi Arabia within two weeks using 30 flights, describing it as evidence of the airline’s capacity to manage the return operation effectively.

Kaila also disclosed that 13,832 units of five-litre Zamzam water have been shipped to Nigeria ahead of the pilgrims’ return, in line with customary post-Hajj arrangements.

The statement further indicated that Flynas will airlift pilgrims from several Nigerian states including Kebbi, Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and Nasarawa.

Meanwhile, the Flynas Coordinator of Operations, Malam Ahmad Ruma, called on ground staff in Makkah to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct throughout the return phase.

He stressed that the success of the operation depends on proper coordination and dedication from all personnel involved.

Flynas reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe, orderly, and timely return of all Nigerian pilgrims assigned to its care.