Ouagadougou: The President of the National Organizing Committee for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Amadou Sidibe, announced on Monday that the first flight of the 2026 Hajj is scheduled for May 6 in Ouagadougou, followed by the flight from Bobo-Dioulasso on May 7. A total of 7,471 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year's pilgrimage. Return flights are scheduled to begin on June 2, 2026.
According to Burkina Information Agency, 23 flights are scheduled for this year's pilgrimage, with 17 departing from Ouagadougou and 6 from Bobo-Dioulasso. Of the 7,471 pilgrims transported by charter flights, 5,419 will depart from Ouagadougou and 2,052 from Bobo-Dioulasso. Transport operations will continue until May 18 for Ouagadougou and May 14 for Bobo-Dioulasso.
The Chairman of the National Organizing Committee for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca spoke at a press conference on preparations for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, assuring that everything is almost ready for the execution of the 5th pillar of Islam. He announced that the process is in the visa issuance phase, with accommodation bookings in Mecca and Medina already completed for all participants.
He also stated that from a health perspective, the National Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has strengthened existing arrangements. Health workers have been mobilized, and the medical visit program has been defined in accordance with Saudi requirements. For this edition, the presentation of a medical certificate of fitness is now mandatory for all pilgrims.
The head of the transport committee, Mamadou Sidibe, highlighted that the government has renewed its confidence in the national airline, Air Burkina, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. This arrangement is expected to help reduce the average length of stay for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Among the innovations, the cost of meals in Mecca and Medina is now included in the Hajj fee, set at 3,285,000 FCFA. Payment for the sheep for the pilgrims concerned is made via a Saudi platform, in accordance with the requirements of the host country's authorities.
Mr. Sidibe called on all stakeholders to strengthen synergy of action, professionalism, and commitment, to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage and to preserve the image of Burkina Faso. The Burkinabe state now ensures the organization of the pilgrimage to Mecca, including the recruitment of pilgrims and the selection of service providers in Saudi Arabia.
The committee indicated that the usual quota of 8,143 Burkinabe pilgrims will be maintained this year. Regarding the registration process, the Hajj Burkina platform has registered 7,584 pilgrims.