The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the inaugural flight for intending pilgrims under the 2026 Hajj exercise will depart on 14th May from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. The flight, operated by Max Air, will carry over 300 contingents.
Official Announcement
The Director General of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, made the disclosure during the closure of the Hajj Induction Course on Monday. He revealed that the flight schedule from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) indicates that over 3,000 intending pilgrims will be conveyed to Saudi Arabia within five days of operations.
Matawalle pointed out that all necessary arrangements have been concluded ahead of the departure. He reminded intending pilgrims to adhere strictly to the details on their flight schedules. According to him, participating pilgrims have received necessary orientation on the tenets of the Hajj exercise, but he appealed for compliance with the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia during and after the pilgrimage.
Welfare Arrangements
The Director General further disclosed that arrangements for transportation, accommodation, feeding, logistics, and other welfare-related services have been secured in Saudi Arabia to ensure a seamless religious devotion for pilgrims. He applauded the state government for providing support and an enabling environment to deliver on pilgrims' welfare and other administrative services in Nigeria and at the holy land.
Advice from Board Chairman
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan, urged pilgrims to regularly review their Hajj induction materials at home for their own benefit. He also advised them to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set by both the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities throughout the pilgrimage.
Professional Admonitions
Professional admonitions were also offered by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, the National Orientation Agency, the Hajj Tribunal, and other agencies.
Nationwide Airlift Update
Meanwhile, a total of 2,111 pilgrims have departed Nigeria from across five states of the Federation since the airlift commenced on Sunday, 3rd May. According to NAHCON's command and control, the airlift operation, which began at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, also covered pilgrim departures from Kebbi, Ogun, and Lagos, indicating a multi-location rollout. The distribution of pilgrims shows a higher number of male pilgrims at 1,242 compared to female pilgrims, which stood at 869.
