The Saudi-designated air carrier, Flynas, has officially announced the deployment of six wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft to facilitate the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The disclosure was made on Friday in Abuja by Alhaji Umar Kaila, the Managing Director of First Planet Travels and General Sales Agent for the airline. This strategic move is part of the airline’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and world-class travel experience for the thousands of Nigerians embarking on the spiritual journey.

The fleet includes four aircraft with a 430-seat capacity and two others capable of carrying 345 passengers each. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 12,550 intending pilgrims to Flynas for this year’s operations.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, the airline has already conducted refresher courses for over 100 local Nigerian staff members, emphasizing punctuality and high-quality in-flight service.

Airlift operations for Flynas will span several key regional hubs, including the international airports in Lagos, Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Minna, Kaduna, and Abuja. This extensive coverage aims to reduce the logistical burden on pilgrims from states such as Kebbi, Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and parts of Nasarawa.

The airline’s decade-long presence in Nigeria under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) continues to be a cornerstone of the Hajj logistics framework.

The 2026 Hajj arrival phase is scheduled to begin officially on April 18, with flights landing in Madinah first to allow pilgrims to visit the Prophet’s Mosque before moving to Makkah. While Flynas handles a significant portion of the African and South Asian contingents, other carriers like Umza Airline are expected to kick off the inaugural flights from Bauchi on May 3. Departure flights for the return journey are slated to commence on May 30 and run through the end of June.

NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reiterated that operational standards and timelines are non-negotiable for all participating airlines. With the deployment of these wide-body Airbus jets, Flynas aims to meet these rigorous demands and maintain its reputation for prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

As the countdown to the first flight begins, authorities remain focused on safety, precision, and the dignified transport of all “Guests of Allah.”