The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced changes in the flight schedule for the 2026 Hajj exercise following adjustments by approved air carriers transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under the revised timetable released by the board, Flights 2 and 3 earlier scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, have now been moved to Wednesday, May 13, while Flight 4 earlier fixed for Wednesday, May 13, has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 14.
The board also announced the introduction of an additional Flight 5, which is expected to depart on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Representative of the Katsina State Hajj Delegation 2026, Ahmed Abdulkadir, who urged all affected pilgrims to take note of the changes and cooperate fully with officials to ensure smooth coordination of the airlift operation.
Pilgrims were advised to remain attentive to further announcements and report promptly at designated centres with valid travel documents and approved luggage.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State 2026 Hajj Delegation has constituted a special committee to coordinate and supervise issues relating to gold and silver teeth among pilgrims in the Holy Land, particularly in Madinah.
The initiative followed concerns over the activities of middlemen accused of exploiting and cheating pilgrims during negotiations involving gold and silver dental materials.
Speaking during a meeting with guides and officials, the Amirul Hajj, Barrister Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, said all matters relating to gold and silver teeth would now be centrally coordinated under designated officials to ensure transparency and fairness.
He stressed that the arrangement was aimed at protecting pilgrims from exploitation and ensuring proper guidance throughout the process.
According to the delegation, the committee will serve as the official liaison between pilgrims and authorized negotiators in Madinah, while also assisting pilgrims to avoid fraudulent transactions.
The committee is chaired by Abdullahi Fikra Funtua, while other members include Nasiru Abdurrahman, Dr. Badiya Hassan Mashi, Murja Ibrahim Duwan and Abubakar Yusuf.
Isa Ali will serve as secretary of the committee.
The delegation advised pilgrims to avoid dealing with unauthorized middlemen and to channel all issues relating to gold or silver teeth through the committee.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth, organized and hitch-free Hajj operation for all pilgrims from Katsina State.
