The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking the inaugural international flight from the state’s new Gateway International Airport.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the contingent arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport at 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time.
The group had departed from the Iperu-based airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The contingent consisted of 345 pilgrims, including 151 males and 194 females, and officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Following arrival, the pilgrims underwent immigration and security checks before being transported by bus to their hotel accommodations in Medina.
This mission marks the commencement of Hajj operations at the Gateway International Airport, which was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on April 4.
The flight represents the first 4,600km nonstop international trip from Iperu, a development Governor Abiodun described as a milestone for the state’s aviation and economic sectors.
The governor emphasised that the successful flight is a testament to the administration’s focus on infrastructure and resilience.
He added that the airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity and establish Ogun as a hub for international commerce and engagement.
Abiodun also commended President Tinubu for his support in completing the project and thanked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for designating the facility as an official Hajj departure centre.
