iDeemlawfulThe National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has introduced a fresh set of operational rules ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
According to the commission, the measures signal notable adjustments in flight coordination, group travel procedures, medical screening and data management.
Issued on December 4, 2026, the directives were released after a meeting involving State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Hajj carriers at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja.
The circular, titled “NAHCON Directs Airlines to Issue 2026 Hajj Tickets Ahead of Departure,” details new steps intended to prevent pre-arrival data mistakes, strengthen enforcement of medical guidelines and ensure pilgrims move in coordinated groups.
Thursday’s announcement was signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON.
Below are 15 directives to note for Hajj 2026:
- All approved carriers must issue 2026 Hajj tickets to pilgrims in partnership with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
- Pilgrims must receive clear details of departure date, time and location to minimise inaccurate pre-arrival data sent to Saudi authorities.
- Missing a scheduled flight will attract serious consequences beginning with the 2026 Hajj.
- Each ticket will be digitally tied to the pilgrim’s Nusuk Card, which will be placed on designated buses in Saudi Arabia.
- Pilgrims cannot switch groups after their visa is issued and must remain with the group responsible for processing their visa.
- Pilgrims will move in groups of 45, stay together throughout Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir, and return as a unit.
- NAHCON must submit pilgrims’ pre-arrival details 72 hours before departure on the Nusuk Masar platform, including group manifests and accommodation assignments.
- Any pilgrim missing at take-off time will be recorded as a no-show and may be liable for the cost of the unused seat.
- Saudi Arabia’s new boarding card must be provided to each pilgrim before travel, containing complete flight and travel information.
- State boards must promptly remit Hajj payments to avoid losing allocated slots, as Saudi Arabia will refund surplus camp-booking funds.
- Compliance with Saudi Arabia’s medical fitness standards must be strictly upheld, with sanctions for any breach.
- Pilgrims with any of the nine listed disqualifying health conditions must not travel and will bear the cost of deportation if they do.
- Only reputable, certified hospitals may issue medical fitness reports for State Boards.
- Airline allocations for 2026 have been released but may be revised based on technical and infrastructure assessments.
- The approved carriers for the 2026 operations are Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air and Umza Air.
In the concluding section of the statement, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, emphasised collective responsibility, stating that “NAHCON’s success is everyone’s success.”
