2026 Hajj: First Batch of Kano Pilgrims Departs for Saudi Arabia
By Habiba Abubakar
The first batch of Kano State pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise has departed Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage airlift from the state.
MaxAir flight NGL3025 departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2026, at exactly 12:48 a.m., conveying 558 pilgrims and two officials to the holy city of Madinah.
The batch comprised intending pilgrims from Dala, Gwale, Ungogo and Fagge Local Government Areas of Kano State. Out of the total number, 333 were male while 225 were female pilgrims.
The departure ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and Hajj stakeholders who gathered at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims and offer prayers for a successful Hajj exercise.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
He reminded them that they were ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of discipline, patience and good character while performing the pilgrimage.
The governor further advised the pilgrims to avoid acts capable of causing controversy or tarnishing the image of the state, while encouraging them to pray for peace, unity and progress in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
Also present at the farewell ceremony was the Emir of Gaya, who will serve as the Amirul Hajj for Kano State during the 2026 pilgrimage.
Other dignitaries at the event included officials of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Islamic scholars, government representatives and the Wazirin Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano.
The airlift of pilgrims is expected to continue in batches over the coming days until all Kano State pilgrims are successfully transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Meanwhile, a total of 30,204 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted through 74 flights nationwide.