Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ogun State etched its name in Nigeria’s aviation history on Sunday night as the Gateway International Airport in Iperu handled its first international flight, airlifting Muslim pilgrims directly to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The historic departure of 345 pilgrims and officials marked the commencement of Hajj operations in the state, positioning Ogun as a rising force in regional and international air transport, and the first departure point for Nigerian pilgrims in this year’s exercise. The aircraft, a Boeing 777 operated by Max Air, departed the Iperu facility promptly at 11 p.m., carrying 151 men and 194 women alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The flight was a nonstop 4,600-kilometer journey, culminating in a safe landing at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at approximately 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time, roughly five hours after takeoff.
The successful handling of a large-capacity wide-body aircraft, said to be the biggest to ever land at the airport, signaled the facility’s full compliance with global aviation standards and its readiness for long-haul international travel. The Gateway International Airport, strategically located in the Ilishan-Iperu area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor, was officially commissioned just one month prior on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during an official visit to the state. Prior to this international milestone, the airport commenced commercial operations in October 2025 with domestic flights to Abuja by ValueJet, fulfilling its initial promise of boosting regional connectivity.
Speaking ahead of the departure, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the inaugural flight as a defining moment transcending mere transportation, symbolising focus, determination, and teamwork. He noted that the successful operation reflects Ogun’s growing infrastructure capacity and ambition to become a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity, leveraging its strategic proximity to Lagos. The governor expressed appreciation to the federal government and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for designating the airport as one of the official Hajj departure centres. He also charged the pilgrims to uphold the image of Nigeria by demonstrating discipline and respect throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, represented by Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, noted that the new departure point would significantly ease logistics for pilgrims across the South-West, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to Lagos, which has long been a source of stress for intending pilgrims. He further highlighted that Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in the region cleared for Hajj operations without limitations, underscoring the high quality of its modern infrastructure. Religious leaders, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, also hailed the project as transformative, noting that it has effectively removed the persistent stress associated with international travel through congested Lagos airports.
The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, urged pilgrims to approach the exercise with a sense of responsibility, reminding them that they represent both Ogun State and Nigeria on the global stage. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were received by Hajj officials and airport authorities, processed through immigration and security in an orderly manner, and transported by buses to their hotel accommodations in the holy city of Medina to rest ahead of the commencement of Hajj rites. Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the moment as truly historic, with several travellers expressing excitement at being among the first beneficiaries of this new international gateway.
Beyond the immediate success of the Hajj airlift, the development highlights a broader strategic achievement for Ogun State. Governor Abiodun emphasised that the accomplishment serves as a testament to the state government’s commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure, and he expressed optimism that the airport will open new pathways for connectivity, boost economic activities, and cement the state’s position as a premier destination for religious travel and international engagement. The aviation sector in Nigeria, particularly commercial flight operations, remains one of the most heavily regulated in the world under the purview of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). With this historic first flight, the Gateway International Airport has officially transitioned from a newly unveiled project to a fully operational international aviation hub, setting a new standard for state-owned airports in the country.
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