The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with 1,546 pilgrims already successfully flown back home as the 2026 Hajj exercise moves into its final phase.
The inbound operations began on June 3, shortly after the completion of the core Hajj rites in Makkah and other holy sites. According to data from NAHCON’s Command and Control Centre, the first return flight departed Jeddah for Abuja at 9:27 a.m. on June 3, operated by MaxAir flight NGL267, carrying 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State.
The second flight followed early on June 4, when Flynas flight XY9866 departed Jeddah at 5:53 a.m. bound for Kebbi State with 426 pilgrims on board. A third flight later the same day, also operated by MaxAir (NGL263), transported 560 pilgrims back to Abuja, including 559 pilgrims from Nasarawa State and one pilgrim from Katsina State.
With these three successful flights completed, NAHCON confirmed that a total of 1,546 Nigerian pilgrims have so far returned safely to the country, marking a smooth start to the phased repatriation exercise.
Officials say the return operation is being conducted in line with the approved airlift schedule for the 2026 Hajj, designed to ensure an orderly and coordinated movement of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria.
NAHCON had earlier assured pilgrims and their families that adequate logistics, safety measures and flight coordination systems were in place to guarantee a seamless return journey following the completion of pilgrimage activities.
The commission added that the repatriation exercise will continue in phases over the coming days and weeks until all Nigerian pilgrims and officials are transported home.
Authorities expressed confidence that the inbound operations would proceed smoothly, building on the coordination and experience gained during the outbound airlift earlier in the Hajj season.
