Ghana’s 5,960 Hajj pilgrims for 2026 are being airlifted to Madinah on chartered flights from Tamale and Accra, with the airlift running from May 1 to May 17, 2026.
Hajj 2026 dates and flight window
Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin on Monday, May 25, with the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27. Final dates depend on the official moon sighting by Saudi authorities.
GACA flight operation timeframe
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has set the following window for Hajj 2026 flight operations:
- Outbound flights (arrivals to Saudi Arabia): April 18 to May 21, 2026
- Return flights (departures from Saudi Arabia): May 30 to June 30, 2026
During the first phase (April 18 – May 4), outbound flights operate primarily to Madinah, allowing pilgrims to visit Masjid al-Nabawi first. From May 5 onward, flights shift to Jeddah as the core Hajj rituals approach.
Hajj flight schedule from Ghana
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has organized approximately 10 chartered flights to airlift Ghanaian pilgrims in two phases — first from the Northern sector (Tamale), then from the Southern sector (Accra). All flights land in Madinah, where pilgrims spend three days before proceeding to Makkah.
Tamale departures (Northern sector)
Flights from Tamale International Airport launched the airlift:
- Flight 1: May 1, 2026 — 430 pilgrims
- Flight 2: May 2, 2026 — 430 pilgrims
- Flight 3: Originally scheduled May 9 from Tamale (345 pilgrims), relocated to Accra on May 11 due to lower-than-expected numbers
Accra departures (Southern sector)
The remaining flights depart from Kotoka International Airport in Accra:
- May 11 to May 17, 2026 — seven flights carrying 430 pilgrims each
- Final flight (May 17) — 345 pilgrims, including paid-up pilgrims, protocol, medical, da’wa, and taskforce members
An advance team from the PAOG is already on the ground in Saudi Arabia to coordinate accommodation, transportation, and medical arrangements across the pilgrimage stations.
Hajj cost and what the package includes
The official 2026 Hajj fare for Ghanaian pilgrims is GH¢60,000 — reduced from GH¢62,000 after consultations between the PAOG Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, and key Muslim leaders including the National Chief Imam.
This is a notable reduction from the GH¢62,000 charged in the 2025 season. President Mahama has indicated the fare could fall below GH¢50,000 if the cedi continues to strengthen.
What the GH¢60,000 covers
- Hajj visa issued under Ghana’s official Saudi-approved quota
- Chartered return flights from Ghana to Saudi Arabia
- Hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
- Ground transportation between holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat)
- Medical support from Ghana’s Hajj medical team on the ground
- Government representation and consular protection in Saudi Arabia
Payments are made through designated bank accounts managed by the PAOG. The office has warned against unauthorized agents charging unapproved fees and urged pilgrims to deal only with accredited Hajj agents.
How to register for Hajj from Ghana
Ghanaian Muslims cannot book a Hajj flight independently — all travel is coordinated through the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), also known as the Ghana Hajj Board. The process works through accredited Hajj agents who handle registration on behalf of pilgrims.
Key registration details for 2026
Ghana’s approved quota for 2026 is 5,960 pilgrims, and it has been fully subscribed. The PAOG has stopped accepting payments, meaning prospective pilgrims who haven’t yet paid will need to wait for the next season.
Once registered and paid, the PAOG and your assigned agent handle your Hajj visa, flight booking, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, and guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj health guidelines require all pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations before departure. The Meningococcal ACYW vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. For the full list of required and recommended vaccinations, see our dedicated Hajj vaccine requirements guide.
Practical tips for Ghanaian pilgrims
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Carry copies of your national ID, vaccination certificate, medical reports, and emergency contacts.
- Pack light and follow the PAOG’s luggage guidelines — check our Hajj packing list for a complete checklist.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes — temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C during Hajj season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Ghana independently?
No. All Hajj travel from Ghana is coordinated through the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) and accredited Hajj agents. You cannot simply book a commercial flight to Jeddah and perform Hajj — a valid Hajj permit and visa issued through official channels is required.
Which airports in Ghana operate Hajj flights?
Tamale International Airport handled the Northern sector flights (May 1–2), while the third Tamale flight was relocated and departed from Kotoka International Airport in Accra on May 11, followed by the remaining Southern sector flights through May 17.
How much does Hajj cost from Ghana in 2026?
The official fare is GH¢60,000, reduced from GH¢62,000. This covers flights, visa, accommodation, ground transport, and medical support. Payments are made through designated bank accounts managed by the PAOG.
Is registration still open for Hajj 2026 from Ghana?
No. Ghana’s 2026 Hajj quota of 5,960 pilgrims has been fully subscribed, and the PAOG has stopped accepting payments. Prospective pilgrims who missed the deadline will need to register for the next season.
Sources
- DailyGuide Network — 2026 Hajj Flight Schedules Released
- Asaase Radio — 430 Ghanaian Pilgrims Depart Tamale for 2026 Hajj
- GBC Ghana Online — Hajj Fare Reduced to 60,000 Cedis, Quota of 5,960 Filled
- GhanaWeb — Hajj 2026 Cost Slashed to GH¢60,000 — PAOG Chairman
- The Ghana Report — Final Tamale Hajj Flight to Leave from Accra on May 11
- Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana — Flights
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- GACA — General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia
- GhanaWeb — Government Reduces 2025 Hajj Fares from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
