The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will begin on Wednesday. The commission urged returning pilgrims to comply with baggage and documentation requirements to avoid delays.

NAHCON’s head of the aviation operations department, Habib Bello, said this while addressing the media in Mecca.

Mr Bello said that airlines determined flight schedules, and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation approved them, allocating operating slots to all carriers.

According to him, Max Air will begin return flights on June 3 for pilgrims from Nasarawa State, while Flynas and Air Peace will commence operations on June 4 for pilgrims from Ogun and Oyo.

He urged pilgrims to adhere to the approved baggage allowance of two 23kg bags and one eight-kilogramme hand luggage.

“Non-compliance can result in delays or removal from flight manifests. Pilgrims are also required to notify officials at least 48 hours before departure to facilitate passport release, luggage processing and transportation arrangements,” he said.

The head of the Makkah Passport Committee, Abdurrahman Mohammed, said that the commission had successfully concluded the first phase of the 2026 hajj operation and was processing passports for returning pilgrims.

Mr Mohammed said that passports were kept in safe custody to prevent loss, damage, and abscondment, adding that pilgrims must submit their travel details at least 48 hours before departure for seamless processing.

He said that mechanisms were in place to recover misplaced passports or, where necessary, secure Emergency Travel Certificates.

(NAN)