The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Adamawa State who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has safely returned home from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims arrived at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport, Yola, at about 11:50 a.m. on Sunday aboard the first return flight operated by Max Air from Makkah.
The flight marked the commencement of the return airlift of Adamawa pilgrims following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Holy Land.
A total of 557 pilgrims were onboard the aircraft, which departed Makkah and completed the journey to Yola in approximately five hours.
The arrival of the pilgrims was met with excitement and gratitude as family members, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the airport to welcome their loved ones back home after the spiritual journey.
The successful return of the first batch signals the beginning of the final phase of the Hajj operation, with additional flights expected to bring back the remaining Adamawa pilgrims in the coming days.
Many of the returning pilgrims expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for granting them a safe and successful pilgrimage, while also commending the efforts of officials involved in coordinating the Hajj exercise and ensuring their welfare throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.