Hajj 2026: Kano Secures Early Return Airlift as First Pilgrims Depart Saudi Arabia
By Lamara Garba
The first batch of Kano State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise has departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Nigeria, marking the commencement of the return airlift operation that authorities say will see all pilgrims from the state evacuated within the next three days.
The successful take-off of the inaugural flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, came ahead of the initial schedule earlier fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for June 24, a development attributed to the proactive efforts of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the state’s Hajj leadership.
Officials disclosed that the early commencement of the return journey followed sustained engagements and coordination by the management of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board under the leadership of its Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, alongside the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Emir of Gaya, His Royal Highness Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.
Addressing pilgrims shortly before departure, the Amirul Hajj urged them to sustain the spiritual lessons and moral values acquired during their pilgrimage and allow the experience to positively influence their conduct and relationship with fellow citizens.
He reminded the pilgrims that Hajj is not merely a religious obligation but a lifelong lesson in discipline, patience, sacrifice and devotion to Almighty Allah.
Dr. Abdulkadir also offered special prayers for the safe return of the pilgrims and for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking on the commencement of the return operation, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, assured pilgrims and their families that adequate arrangements had been concluded to guarantee the smooth evacuation of all Kano pilgrims within the next three days.
He explained that the Board had worked tirelessly with relevant authorities and service providers to ensure that Kano pilgrims began their journey home ahead of the earlier schedule.
“We are pleased that the return airlift has commenced successfully. Our target is to ensure that every pilgrim from Kano State returns home safely and comfortably without unnecessary delays. We have put all necessary logistics in place and, by the grace of Allah, the entire operation will be completed within three days,” he said.
The Director General commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering support throughout the Hajj exercise and appreciated the cooperation of pilgrims, officials and stakeholders whose contributions facilitated the success recorded so far.
According to details released by the Board, UMZA Air Flight No. 3582 departed Jeddah at exactly 1:11 a.m. carrying 280 pilgrims, while Max Air Flight No. 2006 took off at 1:13 a.m. with 415 pilgrims on board.
The first returning pilgrims are drawn from Gwale, Dala, Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas of Kano State.
The commencement of the return flights has been welcomed by many pilgrims and their relatives, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place by the state government and the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Observers noted that the early evacuation plan demonstrates Kano State’s commitment to efficient Hajj administration and reflects the determination of the current leadership of the Board to improve the welfare of pilgrims before, during and after the annual pilgrimage.