2026 Hajj: NAHCON issues mandatory operational rules for pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced strict new operational rules for the 2026 Hajj, introducing major changes in flight management, group movement, medical screening and data processing.

The directives, released on December 4 after a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Hajj carriers in Abuja, are designed to eliminate pre-arrival data errors, enforce Saudi medical regulations and strengthen coordination throughout the pilgrimage.

The statement was issued by Fatima Sanda Usara on behalf of the Chairman/CEO.

Under the new rules, all approved Hajj airlines must issue 2026 flight tickets through the State Pilgrims’ Boards, and every pilgrim must be informed of their exact departure date, time and location.

NAHCON warned that missing a flight will now carry serious consequences.

Each pilgrim’s ticket will also be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card, which will be placed in their assigned bus in Saudi Arabia. Once visas are issued, pilgrims are prohibited from switching groups.

They will travel strictly in groups of 45 and remain together throughout Makkah, Madinah, the Masha’ir and their return journey.

NAHCON will upload all pre-arrival data—including group lists, building allocations and bed-space details—72 hours before departure on the Nusuk Masar platform.

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

Saudi Arabia’s new boarding card must be issued to every pilgrim before departure, capturing full travel and flight details.

State boards are required to remit Hajj fares promptly to avoid forfeiting slots, as excess camp booking funds will be returned by Saudi authorities.

The Commission emphasized that Saudi medical fitness requirements will be strictly enforced.

Pilgrims with any of the nine disqualifying medical conditions will not be allowed to travel, and those who attempt to do so will bear the cost of their deportation.

Only credible, certified hospitals are permitted to issue medical fitness certificates.

NAHCON also confirmed that airline allocations for 2026 have been communicated, though adjustments may follow technical and infrastructure reviews.

The approved carriers for the exercise remain Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air and Umza Air.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, called for firm collaboration among all stakeholders, stressing that collective compliance is essential for a smooth and successful Hajj operation.