The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed all approved air carriers for the 2026 Hajj to begin issuing flight tickets to intending pilgrims ahead of their departure dates. The directive, delivered during a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and airlines at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, is aimed at reducing logistical errors and ensuring pilgrims know their exact travel schedules.
According to the Commission, the early ticket issuance will help curb cases of incorrect pre-arrival data sent to Saudi authorities, a recurring issue that disrupts the processing and distribution of the Nusuk card and other essential services.
Beginning with the 2026 Hajj operations, missing a scheduled flight will attract significant consequences. NAHCON explained that each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally tied to their Nusuk card, which is pre-assigned to specific buses in Saudi Arabia. These buses will convey pilgrims directly to their accommodations upon arrival. Pilgrims will no longer be allowed to switch groups once visas are issued. Each group of 45 will travel, lodge, and return together under a designated group leader.
NAHCON also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s requirement to upload pilgrims’ pre-arrival data on the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before departure. The data includes group lists, accommodation information, and specific bed-space assignments. Any pilgrim who fails to appear for their allocated flight will be marked as a no-show and may be required to pay for the unused seat.
In addition, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a mandatory boarding card for each pilgrim. The card will capture essential details, including airline information, passenger numbers, departure and arrival times, and state of origin.
The Commission further announced that it has completed its camp bookings and associated services in Saudi Arabia. However, if accommodation payments from Nigerian states are not remitted promptly, any unutilized slots will be forfeited and corresponding funds returned by Saudi authorities. NAHCON urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to accelerate Hajj fare remittances to avoid losses.
On medical requirements, NAHCON restated that Saudi Arabia’s new medical fitness regulations will be strictly enforced. Pilgrims diagnosed with any of nine disqualifying conditions, including major organ failures, certain cancers, severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, high-risk pregnancies, or active infectious diseases, will not be allowed to travel and will bear the full cost of deportation if they attempt to do so. States have been instructed to use only certified hospitals for medical screening.
Meanwhile, airline allocations for the 2026 Hajj have been shared with State Boards, subject to possible technical adjustments. The approved carriers for the exercise are Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, and Umza Air.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, called for stronger collaboration among airlines, state boards, and the Commission, insisting that successful Hajj operations depend on collective effort.
