The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved five airlines to transport Nigerian pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj.

The commission announced the approval in a public notice issued on Thursday following an evaluation conducted by its Aviation Screening Committee.

NAHCON said the assessment covered regulatory safety requirements, operational capacity and financial guidelines.

The commission, however, noted that the approval is subject to the signing of airlift agreements and compliance with requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air Limited, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services Limited.

NAHCON said passenger allocations and airlift schedules would be worked out with the respective State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as the approved carriers.

The airlines are also required to comply with all regulations for the 2027 Hajj, including issuing tickets linked to pilgrims’ Nusuk-Masar data and observing applicable aviation safety standards.

The commission further stated that pilgrims would be entitled to one 32kg checked bag and one 8kg hand luggage, in line with regulatory requirements.

It urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and intending pilgrims to cooperate with the approved airlines to ensure a safe and efficient airlift operation.

The approval represents an early step in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Hajj (1448 AH), scheduled to take place between May 14 and May 19, 2027, subject to the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon in Saudi Arabia.