NAHCON Orders Airlines to Begin Issuing 2026 Hajj Tickets to Pilgrims

T The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed all approved 2026 Hajj air carriers, in collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, to begin issuing flight tickets to all pilgrims scheduled for next year’s Hajj. The directive was announced on December 4, 2026, during a meeting between the Commission, State Pilgrims’ Boards, and Hajj airlines at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

According to NAHCON, the early issuance of tickets will ensure that every pilgrim fully understands their departure schedule, including the exact date, time, and airport of departure. The Commission explained that the measure will significantly reduce cases of incorrect pre-arrival data sent to Saudi authorities, which often disrupt Nusuk card distribution and other essential logistics.

NAHCON warned that missing a flight for the 2026 Hajj will attract serious consequences, as each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally connected to their Nusuk card. The cards will be pre-positioned in the buses designated to transport pilgrims to their hotels in Saudi Arabia. Once visas are issued, pilgrims will no longer be allowed to switch groups, with each group of 45 expected to travel, lodge, and return together under a group leader.

The Commission further disclosed that it must upload all pre-arrival data to the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before each flight departs Nigeria. The information includes group lists, accommodation details, building allocations, and bed-space numbers. Any pilgrim who fails to board their assigned flight will be classified as a no-show and may be required to pay for the unused seat.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also introduced a new boarding card system for 2026. The cards will contain additional key information such as the airline name and capacity, state of origin, passenger list, departure and arrival airports, as well as scheduled times.

NAHCON’s Special Assistant (General Matters), Dr. Danbaba Haruna, announced that the Commission has concluded its camp bookings and related services in Saudi Arabia. However, he noted that if the number of pilgrims accommodated does not match the booked space, excess payments will be returned by Saudi authorities and the unused slots forfeited. He urged State Pilgrims’ Boards to expedite remittance of Hajj fare payments to prevent loss of allocations.

On medical requirements, NAHCON reiterated that Saudi Arabia’s revised fitness standards will be strictly enforced. Pilgrims found with any of the nine disqualifying medical conditions—including major organ failures, cancer under active treatment, severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, dementia, high-risk pregnancies, or active infectious diseases—will be barred from travelling and may bear deportation costs. States have been instructed to work only with credible, certified hospitals for medical screening.

Meanwhile, the allocation of airlines for the 2026 Hajj has been communicated to all State Pilgrims’ Boards, with adjustments still possible based on technical reviews. The approved carriers are Air Peace, Fly Nas, Max Air, and Umza Air.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, called for sustained collaboration between State Pilgrims’ Boards, airlines, and the Commission, noting that “NAHCON’s success is everyone’s success.”