2026 Hajj Nigerian Pilgrims Begin Return Journey Home, Starting With Nasarawa Pilgrims

2026 Hajj Nigerian pilgrims begin return journey home, starting with Nasarawa pilgrims The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise has officially commenced on Wednesday, beginning with pilgrims from Nasarawa State, according to updates from aviation and pilgrimage authorities. The development marks the start of the organized return operation for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who completed this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first return flight departed from the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying the initial batch of pilgrims from Nasarawa State back to Nigeria. The operation is being coordinated under Nigeria’s Hajj logistics framework to ensure a smooth and phased return of all state contingents. According to the airline handling the operation, the next set of returnees will include pilgrims from Ogun State, whose first batch will be flown directly to the Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta. The airline disclosed that the first Ogun return flight will transport pilgrims from Jeddah to Ogun State using the newly designated international route. This return arrangement mirrors Ogun State’s outbound Hajj operation, which earlier used the Gateway International Airport for direct flights to Saudi Arabia.

Authorities explained that the return exercise will be conducted in phases, involving multiple flights to accommodate pilgrims from different states. The airline also noted that wide-body aircraft, including A330 aircraft, have been deployed to ensure efficient movement of pilgrims back to Nigeria with minimal delays and congestion.The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON and partner airlines are overseeing the coordinated return process, ensuring that each state contingent is airlifted in line with the approved schedule. The phased return plan is expected to continue in the coming days until all Nigerian pilgrims are transported back home. With the return of Nasarawa pilgrims marking the first phase, Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj return operation has officially begun, with Ogun State pilgrims and other state contingents expected to follow through designated airports in Nigeria.