The inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj from Nigeria will take off on May 3 from the Gateway International Airport Abeokuta.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced that the flight, operated by FlyNas, would be the first time pilgrims from Ogun State would depart directly from the state capital following the construction of the air-port.

In a statement yesterday, the agency said other inaugural flights scheduled for the same day include Umza and Max Air departures from Abuja conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states respectively, while Air Peace will airlift pilgrims from Oyo State through Lagos. Another FlyNas flight is also expected to depart from Birnin Kebbi on the same day.

NAHCON stated that its staff, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, had departed for Saudi Arabia ahead of the pilgrims to make necessary arrangements for their arrival and welfare during the pilgrimage.

The commission advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to their flight schedules, warning that each airline would conduct the airlift operation one zone at a time.