Nigeria has airlifted 6,635 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing arrangements for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The operation is being coordinated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, according to data from its Command and Control Centre, with flights beginning on May 3.

The airlift is part of Nigeria’s allocation of 50,000 pilgrimage slots approved by Saudi authorities for this year’s Hajj.

So far, 14 flights have been operated, conveying pilgrims from several states across the country to Madinah and Jeddah.

On the opening day, three flights transported 1,451 pilgrims from Kebbi, Kogi and Nasarawa states, while an additional flight from Ogun State carried 345 pilgrims and 70 officials to Jeddah.

By May 4, further flights from Oyo, Kebbi and Jigawa increased the total number of pilgrims airlifted to 3,018 across seven flights.

Operations continued on May 5 with departures involving pilgrims from Gombe, Nasarawa and Jigawa, pushing the cumulative figure to 4,380 pilgrims in 10 flights.

Later that day, additional flights further boosted the total as thousands more pilgrims were transported, including a Flynas service from Lagos to Madinah and a MaxAir flight from Gombe to Jeddah.

The latest movements brought the overall figure to 6,635 pilgrims airlifted in 14 flights.

Airlines involved in the operation include Flynas, MaxAir, Air Peace and UMZA Aviation, reflecting a multi-carrier arrangement for the large-scale movement of pilgrims.

Saudi authorities have already set deadlines for the closure of airports for Hajj operations, urging strict compliance with schedules as the pilgrimage season advances.

Officials say the phased airlift demonstrates improved coordination and logistical planning by NAHCON as Nigeria continues to transport thousands of intending pilgrims in batches ahead of the peak Hajj period.