Gateway airport launches first international flight with Ogun hajj pilgrims
The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has safely arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a significant milestone for the state’s aviation and pilgrimage operations.
The pilgrims landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time) after departing from Gateway International Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The contingent comprised 345 pilgrims—151 males and 194 females—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
On arrival, they were received by Saudi Hajj officials and airport authorities before undergoing immigration and security procedures in an orderly manner. They were subsequently transported by bus to their hotel accommodations in Medina to rest ahead of the Hajj rites.
Their departure from Gateway International Airport marked both the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations and the airport’s first international flight. The facility was commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during an official visit to the state.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu, noting that it reflects his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic expansion.
Abiodun added that the airport would enhance connectivity and position Ogun State as a hub for commerce and global engagement, appreciating the Federal Government and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for their support.
In separate remarks, NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, represented by Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would ease logistics for pilgrims, urging pilgrims to uphold discipline and serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria throughout their stay.
