2026 Hajj: Bauchi continues pilgrims airlift with second flight to Saudi Arabia
By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi
The second batch of intending pilgrims from Bauchi State has departed the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, for Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the 2026 Hajj airlift exercise gathers momentum.
The pilgrims boarded the flight on Thursday after successfully completing all security, screening and boarding formalities supervised by relevant authorities at the airport.
Officials of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed that all pilgrims on the flight met the required documentation, health and travel guidelines approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and Saudi Arabian authorities.
The officials described the exercise as smooth and well-coordinated, attributing the success recorded so far to early preparations and effective collaboration among stakeholders involved in the Hajj operation.
They added that the successful departure of the second batch further demonstrates the commitment of the Bauchi State Government to ensuring a seamless and hitch-free pilgrimage exercise for intending pilgrims from the state.
Speaking shortly before the takeoff, officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board urged the pilgrims to remain disciplined, prayerful and law-abiding throughout their stay in the Holy Land, while also encouraging them to project the positive image of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of all intending pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise, assuring relatives and members of the public that adequate arrangements have been made to guarantee the comfort and wellbeing of the pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey.
