By Aliyu Bala GERENGI, Gombe
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will commence on June 3, urging pilgrims to strictly adhere to travel regulations to ensure a smooth and timely journey home.
The commission’s Director of Air Transport Operations, Habib Bello, disclosed this during a press briefing in Makkah, where he outlined the arrangements for the post-Hajj transportation exercise.
According to Bello, flight schedules for the return operation are being coordinated by the designated airlines in collaboration with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which is responsible for allocating departure slots to airlines operating during the Hajj season.
He explained that Max Air will begin transporting pilgrims from Nasarawa State on June 3, while Flynas and Air Peace are scheduled to commence the return of pilgrims from Ogun and Oyo states on June 4.
Bello reiterated the baggage allowance approved for pilgrims, stating that each traveler is entitled to two checked bags weighing up to 23 kilograms each, in addition to one hand luggage not exceeding 8 kilograms. He warned that failure to comply with the baggage requirements could lead to delays or denial of boarding.
He also appealed to pilgrims and state officials to notify the relevant authorities at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure dates to facilitate passport processing, baggage handling and other pre-departure procedures.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the NAHCON Passport Committee in Makkah, Abdurrahman Mohammed, said the first phase of the 2026 Hajj operation had been successfully concluded and that preparations for the return of pilgrims were already underway.
Mohammed explained that pilgrims’ passports are kept in secure custody during the pilgrimage to prevent loss or damage and to streamline travel arrangements.
He advised all pilgrims scheduled for departure to submit their details at least 48 hours in advance to ensure timely retrieval of their travel documents.
He further assured pilgrims that mechanisms have been put in place to trace missing passports. In cases where passports cannot be recovered, affected pilgrims will be issued Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) to enable their return to Nigeria without disruption.
The two officials called on pilgrims and their support teams to cooperate fully with the commission, expressing confidence that the return airlift operation would be conducted efficiently and successfully.
