The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj will commence on Wednesday, beginning with pilgrims from Nasarawa State.

According to Flynas, a Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj carrier, pilgrims from Ogun and Kebbi States will follow on June 4.

In a statement, the airline said the inbound operation will be carried out using six Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft to ensure smooth and efficient transportation back to Nigeria.

The first return flight is expected to convey Ogun State pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta.

On the same day, a second flight will airlift Kebbi State pilgrims to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.

Further flights are scheduled for June 5, covering additional batches of pilgrims returning to both Ogun and Kebbi States.

The airline said it had made adequate arrangements for seamless operations in line with international best practices.

Flynas also disclosed that it transported 11,342 Nigerian pilgrims and officials to Saudi Arabia during the outbound phase in 30 flights completed within two weeks.

It added that 13,832 bottles of five-litre Zamzam water had already been delivered to Nigeria ahead of the return operations.

The airline said pilgrims will also be airlifted from states including Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Kebbi and Nasarawa.

Officials of Flynas urged ground staff in Makkah to maintain high standards of professionalism as the return operations commence.