Ogun Pilgrims Land in Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Launches First International Flight

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The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking a significant milestone for both the state’s pilgrimage exercise and its aviation sector.

The pilgrims departed Gateway International Airport on Sunday at 11:00 p.m. and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time). The group comprised 345 pilgrims—151 men and 194 women—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Upon arrival, Saudi Hajj officials received the delegation, after which they completed immigration and security checks before being transported to their hotels in Medina. They are expected to rest before continuing with the Hajj rites.

The flight also marked the official commencement of 2026 Hajj operations from Gateway International Airport, as well as the facility’s first international flight. The airport was commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit to Ogun State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as a landmark achievement, noting that it represents the first nonstop international flight of about 4,600 kilometres from Iperu. He said the development highlights the government’s focus on infrastructure growth and economic expansion.

According to the governor, the new airport will enhance connectivity and position Ogun State as a key hub for commerce and international engagement. He also thanked President Tinubu for supporting the timely completion of the project and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for approving the airport as a Hajj departure centre.

Abiodun urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by respecting Saudi laws and maintaining discipline throughout their stay.

Representing NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, the Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would ease travel logistics and reduce stress for pilgrims. He added that Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in South-West Nigeria approved for Hajj operations without restrictions due to its modern infrastructure.

The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a rare spiritual opportunity and advised pilgrims to uphold the image of Ogun State and Nigeria.

Traditional and religious leaders, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, also praised the project, noting that it has eliminated the need for stressful travel to Lagos for international flights.

Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the experience as historic, while many travellers expressed excitement at being part of the airport’s inaugural international journey.