The 2026 Hajj airlift has taken off in Lagos, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage journey for thousands of Nigerian Muslims.
In the early hours of Monday, May fourth, the first batch of pilgrims departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The flight, operated by Air Peace, carried three hundred and fifteen pilgrims from Oyo State, lifting off at about 1:41 a.m. in what officials describe as a smooth and hitch-free operation.
That seamless departure is being seen as a strong signal of preparedness, with aviation authorities, security agencies, and Hajj administrators working in close coordination to ensure a successful exercise.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is leading the operation alongside state pilgrims’ welfare boards and designated airlines, as multiple flights are scheduled in the coming weeks to transport thousands to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj, a central pillar of Islam, draws millions of faithful each year for deeply spiritual rites, with the Day of Arafat standing as the peak of the pilgrimage.
Back home, authorities say enhanced logistics, tighter safety measures, and improved passenger handling have been put in place.
Pilgrims are also being advised to strictly follow travel guidelines and documentation requirements to avoid delays.
With this successful inaugural flight, Nigeria has set a confident tone for the 2026 Hajj operations, signaling readiness for a safe, orderly, and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage season.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen