The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled a new set of operational directives for the 2026 Hajj, introducing changes in flight processes, group arrangements, medical screening and data management.

The guidelines, released on Thursday, December 4, after a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Hajj carriers at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, are aimed at improving coordination among airlines, state boards and pilgrims.

In a statement titled “NAHCON Directs Airlines to Issue 2026 Hajj Tickets Ahead of Departure,” the Commission said the measures are expected to reduce pre-arrival data errors, ensure compliance with medical rules and stabilise group movement during the pilgrimage.

The statement, issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, added that the directives will guide stakeholders as preparations for the 2026 Hajj continue.

Below are the 15 directives released by the Commission:

1. All Hajj carriers must issue 2026 Hajj flight tickets to pilgrims in collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.

2. Pilgrims must be informed of their exact departure date, time and location to reduce incorrect pre-arrival data sent to Saudi Arabia.

3. Missing a flight will carry serious consequences beginning from the 2026 Hajj exercise.

4. Each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card, which will be placed in assigned buses in Saudi Arabia.

5. Pilgrims cannot change groups after visa issuance and must remain with the group under which their visa was processed.

6. Pilgrims will travel in groups of 45, remain together throughout Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir, and return together.

7. NAHCON must upload pilgrims’ pre-arrival data 72 hours before departure on the Nusuk Masar platform, including group lists, building and bed-space details.

8. Any pilgrim absent at departure time will be treated as a no-show and may bear the cost of the unused seat.

9. Saudi Arabia’s new boarding card must be issued to each pilgrim before departure, containing comprehensive travel and flight details.

10. State boards must remit Hajj fares promptly to avoid forfeited slots, as Saudi Arabia will return excess camp booking funds.

11. Saudi Arabia’s medical fitness requirements must be strictly enforced, with penalties for violations.

12. Pilgrims with any of the nine disqualifying medical conditions must not travel and will bear deportation costs if they do.

13. State Boards must use only credible, certified hospitals for issuing medical fitness certificates.

14. Airline allocations for 2026 have been communicated but may change following technical and infrastructural reviews.

15. The approved Hajj carriers for 2026 are Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air and Umza Air. (Tribune)

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