An Aquiline International aircraft, operated by UMZA, has departed with intending pilgrims from Bauchi and Plateau States to Madinah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The flight departed Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, at about 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Speaking to journalists before departure, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful coordination of the operation and commended all officials involved in the exercise.
He explained that the pilgrims comprised three hundred and eighteen from Bauchi State and one hundred and sixty from Plateau State.
According to him, the flight was briefly delayed due to heavy rainfall at the airport before takeoff.
Dr Abdurrahman further disclosed that the second batch of intending pilgrims is scheduled to depart on Friday, May 8, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m.
He advised pilgrims scheduled for the second flight to complete their screening processes early at the Hajj Camp to avoid delays and other logistical challenges.
