Nigeria has transported 6,635 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia across 14 flights since May 3. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) released the figures from its command centre.
This airlift represents part of the 50,000 Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Arabia for 2026. Pilgrims are heading mainly to Madinah and Jeddah for the spiritual journey.
On the opening day, three flights carried 1,451 worshippers from Kebbi, Kogi and Nasarawa states. A fourth flight from Ogun State to Jeddah added 345 pilgrims and 70 officials to the tally.
By day's end on May 3, a total of 1,796 passengers had been airlifted. Operations ramped up significantly the following day.
May 4 saw three additional flights depart with pilgrims from Oyo, Kebbi and Jigawa. The cumulative figure reached 3,018 across seven flights by then.
Momentum continued building on May 5 with departures from Gombe, Nasarawa and Jigawa states. By early that afternoon, 4,380 pilgrims had been transported in 10 flights.
Later that evening, a Flynas aircraft (XY8494) left Lagos for Madinah at 7:36pm. It carried 343 pilgrims from Osun State: 191 men and 152 women.
Just before midnight, a MaxAir flight (VM264) departed Gombe to Jeddah. It transported 550 worshippers, including 379 males and 171 females.
These movements brought the total to 6,012 pilgrims airlifted in 14 flights. Updated figures later showed the number had risen to 6,635.
Multiple carriers are handling the operations. Airlines involved include Flynas, UMZA, MaxAir and Air Peace.
Saudi authorities have announced a deadline for closing airports to Hajj pilgrims. This comes ahead of the pilgrimage's peak period.
Countries must stick strictly to their airlift schedules to meet the cutoff. Nigeria's pace suggests NAHCON has improved its logistics considerably.
Observers credit better planning by the commission for the smooth progress so far. Thousands of additional pilgrims are still awaiting flights in coming days.
