The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has rolled out a comprehensive set of new operational guidelines for the upcoming 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The directives, announced on Thursday, 5th December 2025, introduce significant adjustments to flight procedures, group coordination, medical screening, and data management for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
Key Changes in Flight and Group Management
Following a crucial meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Hajj carriers at its Abuja headquarters, NAHCON has mandated that all flight tickets for the 2026 exercise must be issued to pilgrims ahead of departure. The Commission, through its Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, emphasized that pilgrims must be clearly informed of their exact departure dates, times, and locations. This measure aims to curb the transmission of incorrect pre-arrival data to Saudi authorities.
A major new rule states that missing a scheduled flight will now attract serious consequences starting from the 2026 Hajj. Furthermore, each pilgrim's ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card, which will be placed in their assigned buses within Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are also barred from changing their assigned groups once visas have been issued and must remain with the group under which their documentation was processed throughout the pilgrimage.
Strict Enforcement on Data, Medical Fitness, and Payments
NAHCON has set a strict 72-hour deadline for uploading pre-arrival data onto the Nusuk Masar platform. This data must include final group lists, building assignments, and bed-space information. Any pilgrim absent at the scheduled departure time will be classified as a no-show and may be held financially responsible for the cost of the unused seat.
The Commission issued a stern reminder to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to remit Hajj fares promptly to avoid losing their allocated slots. It noted that the Saudi authorities will return any excess funds from camp bookings. On medical grounds, NAHCON warned that the Kingdom's fitness requirements will be strictly enforced. Pilgrims who fall under any of the nine disqualifying medical conditions will not be allowed to travel and will bear deportation costs if they attempt to proceed. Only certificates from credible, certified hospitals will be accepted.
Approved Carriers and Final Allocations
While airline allocations for the 2026 Hajj have been communicated, NAHCON indicated that these may still be adjusted following further technical and infrastructural assessments. The approved Hajj carriers for the 2026 season are:
- Air Peace
- FlyNas
- Max Air
- Umza Air
In a closing remark, the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, called for cooperation from all stakeholders, affirming that “NAHCON’s success is everyone’s success.” The 15-point directive serves as a critical blueprint for state boards, service providers, and the over 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims expected for the 2026 spiritual journey.
