First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

The first batch of pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations from the state and the debut of international flights at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.

The pilgrims, numbering 345, departed Nigeria on Sunday night aboard a direct flight from the newly inaugurated airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, in the early hours of Monday.

Officials disclosed that the contingent comprised both male and female pilgrims, alongside members of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who are overseeing their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Saudi authorities and subsequently transported to Medina, where they are expected to commence their spiritual activities ahead of the main Hajj rites in Makkah.

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The development represents a significant milestone for Ogun State, as the Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight since its commissioning in April 2026. The airport’s utilisation as a Hajj departure centre followed its approval by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), positioning it as a key hub for pilgrimage operations in the South-West region.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the successful airlift as a landmark achievement for the state’s aviation and infrastructure development, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and improving connectivity.

He added that the direct international operation would not only ease the burden on traditional departure centres such as Lagos and Abuja but also stimulate local economic growth through increased aviation activities.

The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board assured that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure the comfort, safety and proper coordination of all pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 Hajj airlift exercise is being coordinated nationwide by NAHCON, with several states participating in the phased transportation of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The successful take-off from Gateway International Airport is widely seen as a step forward in decentralising Hajj operations in Nigeria while enhancing regional access to international travel.

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations