By Mubarak Mahmood
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has dismissed reports alleging that Saudi airline, Flynas, rejected the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun State, for Hajj operations.
NAHCON Chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf stated this in a statement issued by the Assistant Director Information and Publication Fatima Sanda Usara described the reports as false, misleading and entirely unfounded, insisting that the airport was never declared unsuitable or unsafe by the airline.
The clarification followed media reports linking the temporary relocation of Ogun State pilgrims’ departure point to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with an alleged rejection of the Gateway Airport by Flynas.
Ambassador Yusuf explained that the adjustment was strictly based on operational timing, flight scheduling and logistics coordination for the ongoing 2026 Hajj airlift exercise.
According to him, Hajj operations involve sensitive international aviation arrangements, including Saudi Arabia’s flight windows, aircraft rotation plans and pilgrim movement coordination across participating states.
The NAHCON Chairman noted that such operational adjustments are common during large-scale pilgrimages and should not be interpreted as a sign of deficiency on the part of the Ogun airport.
He urged intending pilgrims and members of the public to disregard speculative reports aimed at creating confusion or discrediting the airport project, maintaining that Gateway International Airport remains an approved and functional facility for international operations.
Ambassador Yusuf also reassured affected pilgrims that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure their safe and timely transportation to Saudi Arabia, while commending the Ogun State Government for its cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
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