The inaugural flight for Nigeria’s intending pilgrims for 2026 Hajj rites has been moved from Iperu, the Ogun State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Eagleonline inside sources within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria finally confirmed the sudden change on Saturday afternoon.
A NAHCON source said, “It is (inaugural flight) now in Abuja tomorrow”
Although the reasons for the development were not disclosed, another reliable inside source revealed that the inaugural flights have now been scheduled for both FCT and Kogi State.
As of the time of filing this report, NAHCON is yet to confirm or issue an official statement to the effect of the first flight initial schedule reversal.
On Tuesday this week, the Hajj body issued a press statement, announcing that the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj has been slated for Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta with FlyNas.
The statement pointed out that the schedule marks the first time the Ogun state pilgrims will depart from the state capital with the construction of the airport.
The statement reads in part: “Other flights to take off the same day are Umza and Max Air from Abuja with Kogi and Nasarawa states pilgrims respectively, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo State pilgrims while another FlyNas flight will takeoff from Birnin Kebbi.
“Consequently, NAHCON staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, have departed in advance today Tuesday 28th April to prepare for the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.
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“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) advises pilgrims to note that airlift by each carrier will be conducted one zone at a time. Once an airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone. Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from that zone must bear the consequences of moving to the next available one. Other fallouts include having to wait when they will be re-grouped for the journey.
“Secondly, know that pilgrims must travel strictly under their group of 45 whose Nusuk cards will be ready and awaiting their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hence every pilgrim is advised to confirm and familiarize themselves with group members prior to the journey.
“Similarly, pilgrims are advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the State official(s) accompanying them on the flight”.
The Eagleonline reports that details about the implications of the change are yet to be quantified, still, it is possible it would have resulted in some economic and logistics losses, on the parts of different stakeholders.
More later…
