Max Air has announced a rescheduling of the inaugural airlift of Kano State pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The adjustment moves the start date from Thursday, May 14, 2026, to Friday, May 15, 2026.
Revised Flight Schedule
The airlift will now involve 3,620 registered pilgrims and officials from Kano. The airline will operate seven flights over four days, from Friday through Monday. According to the revised schedule obtained by The Guardian, the first flight will depart Kano on Friday with 560 passengers aboard a B744 aircraft bound for Medina, Saudi Arabia. Two flights are scheduled for Saturday, one on Sunday, and three on Monday to complete the operation.
Operational Hiccups
Although Max Air has not issued an official statement, sources indicate the delay may be due to operational challenges. The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has advised pilgrims originally scheduled for the first flight to adjust their preparations. Spokesperson Sulaiman Dederi stated that affected pilgrims from Gwale, Dala, Fagge, and Ungogo local government areas should report to the Hajj camp on Thursday for final preparations before moving to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Dederi said: "Consequently, all pilgrims from the above-mentioned local government areas who were originally scheduled to travel on May 14, 2026, are hereby advised that their departure has been rescheduled to May 15, 2026. Max Air regrets any inconvenience this change may have caused and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all intending pilgrims. The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board assures all pilgrims that adequate arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth and successful airlift operation."
Previous Warnings
The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, had earlier cautioned against possible flight delays during peak operations. He urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure air carriers adhere strictly to schedules. Matawalle made the appeal while receiving a NAHCON delegation led by North-West Commissioner Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman. He emphasized the importance of timely airlift to avoid inconvenience and ensure a smooth Hajj exercise, stating: "We have finalized all arrangements for our intending pilgrims and expect that there will be no unnecessary delays from air carriers when the airlifting begins."
Departure Status
Nine days after the nationwide airlift began, Kano State, with the highest contingent of 3,620 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, remains among the least departing states. So far, 21,880 intending pilgrims have departed Nigeria for Saudi Arabia out of 50,000, through 53 flight operations by carriers including Flynas, Air Peace, Umza, and Max Air.
