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The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State arrives in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking the first international flight from the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport.
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 historic milestone for the state’s aviation and pilgrimage operations.
The pilgrims touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time) after departing from Gateway International Airport, Iperu, 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.
Upon arrival, they were received by Saudi Hajj officials and airport authorities, completed immigration and security checks, and were transported to their hotel accommodations in Medina to rest ahead of subsequent Hajj rites.
Gateway International Airport Records First International Flight
The departure of the pilgrims marked both the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations and the first international flight from the Gateway International Airport, commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu, emphasizing that it reflects his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and economic expansion.
He added that the development opens new pathways for connectivity and positions Ogun State as a hub for commerce and global interaction.
Governor, NAHCON, And Religious Leaders Commend Milestone
Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the airport’s completion and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for designating the facility as one of the centres for Hajj operations.
He urged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, obey Saudi laws, and conduct themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their stay.
Representing NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, the Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would ease logistics and reduce travel time for pilgrims.
The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a spiritual privilege, urging pilgrims to uphold the image of Ogun State and Nigeria.
The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, commended the project, noting that it has eliminated the stress of travelling to Lagos for international departures.
Pilgrims Express Excitement
On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the experience as historic, while several travellers expressed joy and gratitude for being among the first to depart from the new airport.
The successful flight marks a new chapter in Ogun State’s aviation history, reinforcing its role as a regional gateway for international travel and religious pilgrimage.