By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Kebbi pilgrims continue return journeyas Flynas flight XY9068 departed Jeddah at 06:26hrs with 421 pilgrims and 4 officials. Total Nigerian returnees now stand at 1,731 from five flights.

2. Oyo Hajj official commends Gov. Makinde, calls for early 2026 preparations. Babatunde Fasasi noted issues like BTA delays, limited medical access, and meal concerns but praised federal efforts, NAHCON coordination, and improved transportation. He urged earlier medical and logistical arrangements for future pilgrimages.

3. Air Peace flight APK7901 departed Jeddah to Owerri on Friday at 23:45hrs with 305 pilgrims and 7 officials. Breakdown: Imo (291), Abia (7), Bayelsa (6), Edo (1)

4. Saudi King approves enhanced support for Iranian pilgrims amid regional tensions. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been instructed to ensure all services and safe return for Iranian pilgrims.

5. Middle East conflict prompts Saudi airport advisories. Travellers urged to confirm flights before heading to airports due to regional airspace closures. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah issued such an advisory Friday, citing Israeli strikes on Iran and closures by Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel.

6. Bangladesh: 12,877 pilgrims return home via 33 flights. Of the returnees, 1,255 came under government scheme and 11,622 privately. Tragically, 26 deaths recorded so far (17 in Makkah, 8 in Madinah, 1 in Arafat).

7. Saudi warns Indonesia of possible 50% quota cut for 2026 Hajj, citing health and organisational concerns. This stern advisory comes amid scrutiny of Indonesia’s Hajj management.

8. First batch of Malaysian pilgrims returns after 48 days. Group KT001 (277 pilgrims) departed from Abraj Al Janadriyah to King Abdulaziz Airport for flight MH8050 to Kuala Lumpur. The group had arrived in Madinah on April 29 and performed both Umrah and Hajj.

9. In 2025, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria AHOUN chose to partner with local UMZA Airlines, shifting away from traditional foreign carriers to reduce travel stress.

10. Fun fact: AHOUN organises chartered and scheduled flights, supporting about 13,000 private pilgrims for Hajj 2025.

11. Fun fact: AHOUN actively advocates for local carriers like UMZA, believing it boosts national economic benefits from Hajj.

12. Did you know? More than 58 American Muslim organizations petitioned Saudi authorities in 2022 to reinstate local agency booking options, preferring community-based guidance

13. Did you know? The U.S. Hajj quota is small—around 9,000 pilgrims combined for USA and Canada—so competition for slots is fierce

14. Fun fact: Haji Iqbal, a UK-based Hajj specialist, has 15+ years’ experience, winning multiple awards and supporting pilgrims since 2006.

15. Did you know? UK guide services pride themselves on being multi-lingual, led by British and Saudi teams for maximum understanding .

16. Did you know? Many UK pilgrims pay around £10,500 per person for all-inclusive Hajj packages covering flights, accommodation, and logistics.