PAOG releases return flight schedule for Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has released the provisional return flight schedule for Ghanaian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

According to a press statement issued by the Communications Directorate of PAOG, the flight timetable was developed following consultations with NASSAIR, the official airline handling Ghana's Hajj operations this year.

The office urged pilgrims, members of the Ghana Hajj Agents Association (GHAA), and other stakeholders to take note of the arrangements to facilitate smooth preparations for the journey back home.

PAOG disclosed that a total of 16 return flights have been scheduled between June 12 and June 24, 2026, subject to unforeseen circumstances.

Under the arrangement, Tamale International Airport is expected to receive seven flights between June 12 and June 18, while Accra will receive nine flights from June 18 to June 24.

The office also assured pilgrims that the distribution of the two mandatory luggage bags for each pilgrim is underway. However, officials emphasized that each bag must not exceed 23 kilograms, giving every pilgrim a total baggage allowance of 46 kilograms, excluding any additional luggage.

PAOG further reiterated its strict policy against the inclusion of luggage belonging to pilgrims who have independently arranged private travel back to Ghana ahead of their officially scheduled return flights.

The statement added that the weighing and processing of pilgrims' luggage will commence on June 8, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure an orderly and efficient return operation.

Meanwhile, the Communications Directorate cautioned the public against misinformation and unverified reports regarding the return flight arrangements. It advised pilgrims and their families to rely only on official communications from the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.

PAOG noted that its doors remain open to provide further explanations and clarification on all matters relating to the return flights and other Hajj-related issues.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Director of Communications of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.