By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. As of today, Max Air flight NGLNGL270 departed Katsina to Jeddah at 03:58hrs with 541 pilgrims and 8 officials on board—264 males and 277 females. This brings Nigeria’s total airlift to 39,361 pilgrims across 96 flights.

2. A total of 54,497 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via 141 flights. Sadly, nine deaths have been recorded (8 men, 1 woman). Biman Airlines flew 27,378 pilgrims, Saudia 18,491, and Flynas 8,628.

3. Pakistan’s Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf confirmed that a large portion of Pakistan’s private Hajj quota went unused due to missed deadlines and compliance failures. Of 179,210 slots allotted to Pakistan, only 25,698 were utilised by private operators.

4. Yemenia Airlines has resumed Hajj flights from Sana’a Airport for the first time in years, transporting about 2,000 pilgrims despite challenges from recent conflict and limited aircraft availability.

5. King Salman has ordered the hosting of 1,300 pilgrims from 100 countries under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program, supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

6. Saudi Arabia received over 65,000 pilgrims within 24 hours, bringing the total number of arrivals for Hajj 1446H to 820,658. The influx included 782,358 via air, 35,478 via land, and 2,822 by sea.

7. The Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs urged Bahraini pilgrims to strictly follow health protocols, carry vaccination booklets, chronic illness medications, and always present ID and the “Nusuk” smart card while moving.

8. The UAE has finalised preparations for 6,228 pilgrims, 5,648 of whom are first-timers. The programme ensures full support from departure to return under the guidance of UAE authorities.

9. Kuwait’s Health Ministry has begun administering mandatory Hajj vaccinations including meningitis and an updated COVID-19 dose at all preventive health centres, 10 days before departure.

10. Over 513 persons with disabilities among its 221,000 pilgrims, Indonesia has themed this year’s Hajj as “Elderly- and Disability-Friendly.” For the first time, disabled Hajj officers have also been appointed to assist pilgrims.

11. A historic moment as the first flight carrying 192 war-wounded Syrians from Damascus lands in Jeddah, enabling them to perform Hajj after years of travel suspension due to conflict. The flight was facilitated through a presidential grant.

12. Fun fact: Top 5 Countries with the Largest Hajj Quotas are Indonesia – 221,000, Pakistan – 180,000, India – 175,025, Bangladesh – 127,198, Nigeria – 95,000.

13. Did you know?: Saudi Arabia allocates Hajj slots based on a country’s Muslim population. Quotas ensure fairness, safety, and smooth logistics in hosting millions in a short window.

14. Did you know?: Hajj quotas ensure fairness, safety, and manageable logistics. They prevent overcrowding, streamline pilgrim flow, and allow nations and Saudi Arabia to coordinate effectively during Hajj.

15. Fun fact: Over 4,000 years ago, Zamzam sprang forth at the feet of baby Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) when his mother, Hajira, desperately searched for water in the barren valley of Makkah.

16. Fun fact: Hajira ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water—an act now eternally commemorated as part of the Hajj and Umrah rituals.

17. Fun fact: Despite strict U.S. laws against bringing foreign liquids into the country, Zamzam water is a rare exception—permitted for returning pilgrims due to its religious significance.