Ogun State made aviation history on Sunday night. Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight, sending Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
A Max Air aircraft departed Iperu at approximately 11:00 p.m. carrying 345 pilgrims—151 men and 194 women.
Officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board also travelled on the flight. After 4,600 kilometres of nonstop flying, the plane touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport around 4:15 a.m.
Nigerian time.
This wasn't merely symbolic. The airport successfully managed one of its largest aircraft yet—a wide-body jet designed for long-haul routes.
Analysts say it demonstrates the facility's readiness for major international operations. Gateway has proven it meets global aviation standards.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the airport on April 4, 2026. It's now transformed from a new project into a fully functional international gateway.
Governor Dapo Abiodun spoke before the flight departed. He called the inaugural journey a defining moment for the state.
"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.
According to him, the operation reflects Ogun's expanding infrastructure and ambitions. It positions the state as a hub for business, investment, and global connections—especially because of its location near Lagos.
Abiodun thanked the federal government. He also praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for selecting the airport as a Hajj centre.
He urged the pilgrims to represent Nigeria well. They should display discipline, integrity, and respect while in Saudi Arabia, he added.
NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf spoke through his representative, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi. The new airport would ease logistics for South-West pilgrims significantly, Elegushi noted.
Travellers no longer need to journey long distances to other airports. Gateway is the first state-owned facility in the region cleared for Hajj work without restrictions.
Its modern infrastructure and compliance with international standards made the difference. That's what Elegushi emphasised.
Traditional and religious leaders praised the project. Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu, and Prof.
Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura, both spoke highly of it.
They said it's transformed the region. International travel through Lagos used to be stressful—that burden is now gone.
Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, the Amir Hajj 2026, had words for the pilgrims. He reminded them they represent Ogun State and Nigeria globally.
He urged them to approach the pilgrimage with responsibility and seriousness. Every action matters when you're abroad, he stressed.
Dr Muritala Ejalonibu spoke on behalf of the travelling pilgrims. He described the moment as historic for all involved.
Several travellers expressed excitement about departing from their home state. For many, it marked the first time they wouldn't travel through Lagos to begin their Hajj journey.
