By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will commence on Wednesday, urging pilgrims to strictly comply with baggage and documentation requirements to ensure a smooth departure process.
Speaking to journalists in Makkah, the Head of Aviation Operations at NAHCON, Alhaji Habib Bello, disclosed that flight schedules for the return journey were determined by the airlines and approved by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which allocates operational slots to all carriers.
According to Bello, Max Air will begin the return operation on June 3 with pilgrims from Nasarawa State, while Flynas and Air Peace are scheduled to commence flights on June 4, transporting pilgrims from Ogun and Oyo states respectively.
He advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to the approved baggage allowance of two checked bags weighing 23 kilograms each and one hand luggage not exceeding 8 kilograms.
“Non-compliance can result in delays or removal from flight manifests,” Bello warned.
He further stated that pilgrims are required to notify NAHCON officials at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure to facilitate passport release, baggage processing, and transportation arrangements.
Also speaking, the Head of the Makkah Passport Committee, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, said the commission had successfully concluded the first phase of the 2026 Hajj operation hi and had commenced the processing of passports for returning pilgrims.
Mohammed explained that pilgrims’ passports were kept in safe custody throughout the pilgrimage to prevent loss, damage, and incidents of abscondment.
He reiterated the need for pilgrims to submit their travel details at least 48 hours before departure to ensure seamless processing and timely release of travel documents.
According to him, the commission has also put in place measures to recover misplaced passports and secure Emergency Travel Certificates for affected pilgrims where necessary.
