HAJJ 2026: Kano Begins Early Return Airlift, Targets Full Pilgrim Evacuation in Three Days
By Lamara Garba
The first batch of Kano State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj has departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Nigeria, marking the commencement of a return airlift operation expected to conclude within the next three days.
The inaugural flights departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, ahead of the June 24 schedule earlier announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, a development attributed to the proactive efforts of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the state’s Hajj leadership.
Officials said the early return operation followed extensive coordination by the management of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board under the leadership of its Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, in collaboration with the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 exercise and Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.
Addressing pilgrims shortly before departure, the Amirul Hajj urged them to uphold the spiritual lessons and moral values acquired during the pilgrimage and allow the experience to positively influence their conduct and relationships with others.
He emphasized 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 prayers for the safe return of the pilgrims and for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.
Speaking on the commencement of the return airlift, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, assured pilgrims and their families that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to guarantee a smooth and timely evacuation process.
“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.
Matawalle commended Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering support throughout the Hajj exercise and appreciated the cooperation of pilgrims, officials, and stakeholders whose contributions facilitated the successes recorded so far.
According to details released by the Board, UMZA Air Flight 3582 departed Jeddah at 1:11 a.m. carrying 280 pilgrims, while Max Air Flight 2006 took off at 1:13 a.m. with 415 pilgrims on board.
The first batch of returning pilgrims comprises participants 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 families, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place by the state government and the Pilgrims Welfare Board.