The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the airlifting of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will begin on May 14.
The Director General of the board, Abubakar Matawalle, made the disclosure on Monday during the closing ceremony of the Hajj Induction Course held at the School for Arabic Studies in Kano. The programme is part of preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Matawalle explained that the schedule aligns with that of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, which has designated Max Air as the official carrier for Kano pilgrims.
“According to the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Kano State will commence its inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia on 14 May 2026,” he said, adding that all logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth takeoff of the operation.
He assured intending pilgrims that the board had concluded necessary arrangements ahead of time to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure a seamless exercise.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Yusuf Lawan, urged pilgrims to continually study their Hajj induction materials to better understand the rites and responsibilities of the pilgrimage.
He also emphasized strict compliance with guidelines issued by both Nigerian authorities and those of Saudi Arabia throughout the Hajj period.
Representatives of key agencies and stakeholders—including immigration officials, anti-drug authorities, the Hajj Tribunal, the National Orientation Agency, airline operators, and the Hisbah board—were present at the event and delivered goodwill messages to the pilgrims.
