The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled a new set of operational guidelines for the 2026 Hajj, introducing major changes to flight procedures, group movement, medical screening, and data processing.

The directives, released on December 4 after a strategic meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Hajj airlines at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja, are part of efforts to improve service delivery and ensure more efficient coordination during the pilgrimage.

In a statement titled “NAHCON Directs Airlines to Issue 2026 Hajj Tickets Ahead of Departure,” the Commission said the new rules aim to eliminate pre-arrival data errors, strengthen compliance with Saudi Arabia’s medical requirements, and ensure stricter alignment of pilgrims with their designated groups.

The statement, signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, confirmed that the directives will guide all stakeholders as preparations intensify for next year’s Hajj.

Here are the 15 key guidelines for Hajj 2026:

1. All Hajj airlines must issue flight tickets for 2026 pilgrims in collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
2. Pilgrims must be informed of their exact departure date, time, and airport to minimise pre-arrival data errors submitted to Saudi Arabia.
3. Missing a flight will attract serious consequences starting from the 2026 Hajj exercise.
4. Each flight ticket will be digitally linked to a pilgrim’s Nusuk Card, which will be placed inside their assigned bus in Saudi Arabia.
5. Pilgrims cannot switch groups after their visa is issued and must remain with the visa-processing group throughout the pilgrimage.
6. Pilgrims will travel in groups of 45, stay together through Makkah, Madinah, and the Masha’ir, and also return together.
7. NAHCON must upload all pre-arrival data 72 hours before departure on the Nusuk Masar platform, including group lists and accommodation details.
8. Any pilgrim absent at departure time will be marked as a “no-show” and may bear the cost of the unused seat.
9. Saudi Arabia’s new boarding card must be issued to every pilgrim before take-off, containing full travel and flight information.
10. State Pilgrims’ Boards must remit Hajj fares promptly to avoid losing their slots, as unused funds from excess camp bookings will be returned by Saudi authorities.
11. Saudi Arabia’s medical fitness requirements must be fully enforced, with penalties for any violations.
12. Pilgrims with any of the nine disqualifying medical conditions will not be allowed to travel and will bear deportation costs if they attempt to proceed.
13. State Boards must rely only on certified and credible hospitals when issuing medical fitness certificates.
14. Airline allocations for 2026 have been communicated, though they may be adjusted following further technical and infrastructural assessments.
15. Approved Hajj carriers for 2026 are Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air, and Umza Air.