The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will commence on May 14.
The Director-General of the Board, Abubakar Matawalle, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of a Hajj induction course held at the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.
He said the date aligns with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
“Kano State will begin its inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia on May 14, 2026, and Max Air has been designated as the official carrier for the exercise,” Matawalle stated.
He added that the board had concluded all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and hitch-free operation.
“We have put all logistics in place ahead of time to guarantee a seamless start to this year’s Hajj operations,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Yusuf Lawan, urged intending pilgrims to remain diligent in their preparations by reviewing materials provided during the induction course.
“It is important for pilgrims to go over their induction guides regularly, as this will help them better understand the rites and expectations of the pilgrimage,” Lawan advised.
He also called on pilgrims to comply strictly with guidelines issued by both Nigerian and Saudi authorities throughout the exercise.
Representatives of key agencies and stakeholders involved in the Hajj operations—including immigration officials, anti-drug authorities, and airline representatives—were present at the event and delivered goodwill messages to the pilgrims.
