Ogun Makes History As Pilgrims Depart New Gateway Airport For 2026 Hajj

By Joseph Sunday 

The first batch of Ogun State pilgrims has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a landmark moment for both the state’s aviation sector and pilgrimage operations.

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The contingent of 345 pilgrims — 151 males and 194 females — plus officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time. They had departed Gateway International Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Saudi Hajj officials and airport authorities received the pilgrims on arrival. After completing immigration and security procedures, they were transported by bus to hotel accommodations in Medina to rest before continuing the Hajj rites.

The historic flight, marked the start of 2026 Hajj operations and served as Gateway International Airport’s first international flight. The airport was commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during an official visit to Ogun State.

Speaking before the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun called it the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu. 

He said the milestone reflects his administration’s commitment to infrastructure growth and economic expansion.

“What we celebrate today goes far beyond the arrival and departure of an international aircraft; it is a testament to focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice, and teamwork,” Abiodun said. 

He added that the airport opens new channels for connectivity and positions Ogun as a hub for commerce and global interaction. The governor thanked President Tinubu for his support in completing the airport on schedule and praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for approving the facility as a Hajj departure centre. 

He urged pilgrims to represent Nigeria well by obeying Saudi laws and maintaining discipline throughout their stay.

NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Hajj Operations Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point will ease logistics and cut travel time for pilgrims. He noted that Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in South-West Nigeria cleared for Hajj operations without restrictions, thanks to its modern infrastructure.

Amir Hajj 2026 Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun described the pilgrimage as a spiritual privilege and encouraged 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 for removing the stress of traveling to Lagos for international flights.

Speaking for the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu called the experience historic. Other travelers expressed excitement at being part of the airport’s first international departure.