MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia — The Amirul Hajj of the 2026 Katsina State Hajj Exercise, Barrister Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, has announced that the return airlift of Katsina State pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will commence on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, with the first batch of 415 pilgrims expected to depart from Jeddah.
Barrister El-Marzuq made the announcement on Tuesday while inspecting the weighing of pilgrims’ baggage ahead of check-in for their return to Nigeria. He was accompanied by members of the 2026 Katsina State Hajj Delegation, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, and members of the Board’s management.
He said the first flight would depart at 1:00 p.m. Saudi Arabian time, conveying 415 pilgrims.
According to the flight schedule, the second flight will leave on Thursday, June 18, at 7:00 a.m. Saudi Arabian time, carrying 508 pilgrims, while the third flight will depart the same day at 1:00 p.m. Saudi Arabian time with 415 pilgrims on board.
The fourth and final flight is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at 7:00 a.m. Saudi Arabian time, bringing the return airlift of the Katsina State contingent to a close.
The Amirul Hajj commended the pilgrims for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the uncertainty surrounding the return flight arrangements.
He recalled that Katsina pilgrims were initially scheduled to begin their return journey on June 11, but the schedule was later shifted by the Saudi Authorities to June 20. It was subsequently revised to June 18 before another adjustment brought forward the commencement date to June 17.
Barrister El-Marzuq thanked Almighty Allah for the favourable development and praised the discipline, good conduct and prayers of the Katsina pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.
He urged the pilgrims to continue cooperating with officials and to comply with all baggage and departure procedures to ensure a smooth and orderly return to Nigeria.
The Amirul Hajj also appreciated the support and intervention of Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, whose continued concern for the welfare of the state’s pilgrims contributed to efforts aimed at securing an earlier return schedule.
