Kano Begins Pilgrims’ Return Airlift Ahead of Schedule, Targets Three-Day Evacuation
By Lamara Garba
Mecca — The Kano State Government has commenced the return airlift of its pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with officials expressing confidence that all pilgrims from the state will be evacuated within the next three days.
The first batch of pilgrims departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in the early hours of Thursday, marking the beginning of the return journey following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The commencement of the return flights came ahead of the June 24 schedule earlier announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), a development attributed to efforts by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the state’s Hajj leadership.
Speaking shortly before departure, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, urged pilgrims to uphold the lessons learned during the pilgrimage.
“Hajj is not merely a religious obligation; it is a lifelong lesson in discipline, patience, sacrifice and devotion to Almighty Allah,” he said. “I urge all pilgrims to sustain these values and allow the experience to positively influence their conduct and relationships with others.”
The Amirul Hajj also offered prayers for the safe return of all pilgrims and for peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, said the Board had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth evacuation of pilgrims.
“We are pleased that the return airlift has commenced successfully,” Matawalle said. “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 explained that the Board worked closely with relevant authorities and service providers to secure the early commencement of the return operation, adding that the welfare of Kano pilgrims remained a top priority.
Matawalle also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support throughout the Hajj exercise and appreciated the cooperation of pilgrims, officials and other stakeholders whose contributions contributed to the success of the operation.
According to details released by the Board, UMZA Air Flight 3582 departed Jeddah at 1:11 a.m. with 280 pilgrims on board, while Max Air Flight 2006 took off two minutes later carrying 415 pilgrims.
The first batch of returning pilgrims comprises pilgrims from Gwale, Dala, Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Many pilgrims and their relatives welcomed the commencement of the return flights, expressing satisfaction with the arrangements put in place by the state government and the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Observers noted that the early commencement of the return airlift reflects Kano State’s efforts to improve Hajj administration and ensure the welfare of pilgrims before, during and after the annual pilgrimage.