The 2026 Hajj airlift operation in Kano State is nearing completion as only one flight remains to transport the last batch of intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The fourth batch of Kano pilgrims has already arrived in Jeddah and proceeded to Madina, while the fifth flight departed Aminu Kano International Airport at exactly 3:49 a.m. on Wednesday heading to Madina.
The sixth flight also departed successfully from Kano, leaving only the seventh and final flight awaiting takeoff as authorities intensify efforts to conclude the airlift operation without delay.
Statistics released by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board indicated that the fourth flight conveyed 559 pilgrims, the fifth transported 524 pilgrims, while the sixth flight carried 392 intending pilgrims.
Out of the total 3,620 pilgrims from Kano State scheduled for the 2026 Hajj exercise, only about 300 pilgrims remain waiting to be airlifted as of Wednesday.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board said it has continued working round the clock to ensure the smooth and timely transportation of all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, pilgrims from the first flight have already arrived in Makkah, while those in the second batch are expected to move to the holy city on Wednesday. The third batch of pilgrims is also scheduled to depart Madina for Makkah on Thursday.
Chairman of the Kano Hajj Media Committee, Mustapha Muhammad who also, is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the state, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj operation and the welfare of Kano pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.