Nigeria has successfully airlifted about 70 per cent of its registered pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj as transportation operations continue across departure centres nationwide.

According to data from the Hajj Gazette 2026 Hajj Tracker, a total of 27,293 Nigerian pilgrims have so far arrived in Madinah and Makkah for the pilgrimage.

The airlift operations are being carried out by Flynas, Air Peace, MaxAir and UMZA Aviation Services.

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is coordinating the exercise in collaboration with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators.

Private operators have also intensified their operations, transporting many pilgrims to Saudi Arabia ahead of the main Hajj rites scheduled to begin on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Stakeholders attributed the smooth progress of the exercise to improved coordination among Nigerian authorities, airline operators and Saudi officials, as well as early preparations by participating organisations.

The ongoing airlift forms part of NAHCON’s efforts to ensure a seamless pilgrimage exercise while complying with Saudi Arabia’s operational requirements.

Saudi authorities have also reiterated the “No Hajj Permit, No Hajj” policy, stressing that only properly documented pilgrims will be granted access to the holy sites.

The airlift is expected to continue in the coming days until all registered Nigerian pilgrims and officials are transported for the 2026 Hajj.