Cameroon Begins Hajj Repatriation, Urges Pilgrims to Avoid Last-Minute Airport Preparations

The return of Cameroonian pilgrims from Hajj 2026 is now underway. The first group of 342 pilgrims arrived in Cameroon from Saudi Arabia at dawn on June 6, according to state broadcaster CRTV. The flight marked the start of the repatriation operation for the 5,022 Cameroonians who took part in this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca.

As additional flights are scheduled over the coming days, Cameroon’s Consulate General in Jeddah has called on pilgrims and group leaders to exercise greater discipline during departure preparations.

In a statement issued on June 9, the diplomatic mission said it had received reports that “some group leaders recommend that pilgrims wash and dress for travel at the airport before boarding flights to Cameroon.” The Consulate strongly discouraged the practice, citing the disruptions it can cause at airport facilities. Instead, authorities urged pilgrims to make all necessary preparations at their hotels in Mecca before leaving for the airport, including washing, dressing, and organizing personal belongings.

The goal is to avoid problems that have regularly occurred during previous Hajj seasons. According to the Consulate, preparations carried out at the airport often lead to delays in boarding procedures, congestion in waiting areas, forgotten luggage, and the loss of administrative documents.

The diplomatic mission also warned about the risk of losing passports, boarding passes, and other travel documents. Such incidents can slow repatriation operations and complicate the return journey for pilgrims traveling back to Cameroon.

The Consulate therefore called on group leaders to strengthen awareness efforts within their groups and ensure that pilgrims arrive at the airport fully prepared for travel. The measure is intended to streamline boarding procedures and secure the final stage of the journey after several weeks spent at Islam’s holy sites.

The repatriation operation is taking place in phases under the coordination of Cameroon’s National Hajj Commission. After completing the various rites of the pilgrimage, considered the fifth pillar of Islam, Cameroonian pilgrims have now entered the final stage of their spiritual journey.

Return flights will continue until all 5,022 Cameroonian pilgrims who participated in this year’s Hajj have returned home.

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