The 2026 Hajj airlift operations officially began in Lagos on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a seamless inaugural flight from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, marking a strong and orderly start to this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

The first flight, operated by Air Peace, departed at approximately 1:41 a.m., transporting 315 pilgrims from Oyo State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in what officials described as a smooth and hitch-free operation.

The successful take-off is being viewed as a reflection of effective coordination among aviation authorities, security agencies, airline operators, and Hajj management institutions involved in the exercise.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), working in collaboration with state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards and designated carriers, is overseeing the nationwide airlift programme, which will run over the coming weeks.

Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims are expected to be transported to Makkah and Madinah.

Authorities say enhanced operational planning, improved passenger facilitation systems, and strengthened health and safety protocols have been put in place to ensure efficiency and reduce delays throughout the exercise.

Pilgrims have also been advised to strictly adhere to travel guidelines, complete all required documentation, and comply with baggage regulations to ensure a smooth departure process.

The successful launch of the Lagos flight sets a positive operational tone for the 2026 Hajj airlift, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation coordination capacity and inter-agency preparedness for large-scale international religious travel.

Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, has received another major academic honour, as Abia State University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration, bringing his total honorary degrees to four.

The recognition formed part of the university’s 32nd Convocation Ceremony, which brought together prominent academics, policymakers, and business leaders in Abia State.

University leadership at the event included Vice Chancellor Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, and Registrar Dr. Acho Elendu, who all witnessed the conferment ceremony alongside guests and members of Air Peace management.

In his remarks, Dr. Onyema highlighted the critical role of education in national survival and development, calling for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in funding and supporting education.

He stressed that education cannot be left to government alone, noting that private sector participation is essential for sustainable national progress.

“One thing is certain, I believe in education. Without education, the country is dead,” Onyema said. “Whatever we must do to encourage education, the government alone cannot fund it.”

He also expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for nominating him for the honour, describing the recognition as a reminder of his ongoing responsibility to contribute to society.

Over the years, Onyema has built a reputation not only as a leading figure in Africa’s aviation industry but also as a philanthropist deeply involved in humanitarian support, education initiatives, and youth development programmes.

His latest honour reflects growing recognition of his efforts to combine enterprise with social impact, reinforcing his position as one of Nigeria’s most visible private sector advocates for education and nation-building.

Nigeria’s connectivity to the world has received a major boost as Air Peace and Turkish Airlines activated a bilateral interline agreement designed to simplify international travel and expand access across continents.

The partnership enables passengers to travel across both airlines’ networks on a single ticket, with coordinated flight schedules and streamlined baggage handling, removing many of the traditional hurdles associated with multi-leg international journeys.

With the agreement now in effect, passengers arriving in Lagos on Turkish Airlines can connect seamlessly onto Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional routes across Nigeria and West Africa.

Likewise, Air Peace customers can now tap into Turkish Airlines’ vast global network via Istanbul, gaining access to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Industry stakeholders say the deal represents a strategic step in strengthening Nigeria’s role as a key aviation gateway, while improving travel convenience for both business and leisure passengers.

Executives from both airlines described the partnership as mutually beneficial, combining Air Peace’s strong regional footprint with Turkish Airlines’ unmatched global reach.

The collaboration is also expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and economic integration by linking West and Central Africa more efficiently to international markets.

Turkish Airlines, known for its wide global coverage and premium onboard services, operates modern widebody aircraft into Lagos, while Air Peace continues to expand its fleet and route network, solidifying its position as a leading carrier in Africa.

With this alliance, travelers can expect smoother journeys, greater flexibility, and broader destination choices, marking a significant step forward in enhancing Africa’s global air connectivity.