No fewer than 343 intending pilgrims from Lagos State have arrived safely in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The pilgrims, comprising 169 males and 174 females, were airlifted aboard a Flynas Airline Airbus flight XY8504, which departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at 6:26 p.m. on Friday.

The inaugural flight marks the commencement of the state’s airlift operations for this year’s pilgrimage.

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The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their families that the Lagos State Government would prioritise their welfare throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

He said, “Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved all necessary arrangements to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate support both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. We urge all pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and to serve as worthy ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria in the Holy Land.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Anofiu Elegushi, commended the seamless organisation of the airlift and praised the pilgrims for their patience and discipline.

“Today’s successful airlift reflects the tireless efforts of the Lagos State Government and NAHCON. We are pleased that the exercise is taking place in an atmosphere of peace, orderliness and proper coordination. We pray for a successful Hajj and safe return for all pilgrims,” he said.

In the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, described the exercise as encouraging.

He noted that the successful departure of the first batch demonstrates the state’s commitment to excellence, and expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, NAHCON officials, stakeholders, Flynas Airline, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), security agencies, and the pilgrims for their cooperation.

Some of the pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noting that the smooth departure reflects the government’s commitment to their welfare, safety, and comfort.

Lagos State is expected to airlift about 1,600 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.

The exercise will continue on Sunday, May 10, with the second and third batches, while subsequent flights are scheduled for May 12 and May 13.