The first group of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking a significant milestone with the debut international flight from the newly built Gateway International Airport.
A total of 345 pilgrims departed from the airport in Iperu Remo late Sunday night and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the early hours of Monday. The group included 151 men and 194 women, alongside officials from the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Upon arrival, Saudi authorities received the pilgrims before they were transported to their accommodations in Medina, where they will rest ahead of the Hajj rites.
The flight represents the first international operation from Gateway International Airport, recently inaugurated by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as a landmark achievement, highlighting it as a 4,600-kilometre nonstop international route that reflects the state’s progress in infrastructure and economic development.
He noted that the new airport will improve connectivity, boost commerce, and reduce the stress previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Lagos for international departures.
Officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria also praised the development, stating that the modern facility would ease logistics and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
Community and religious leaders commended the initiative, while pilgrims expressed excitement at being part of the historic first flight from the new airport.
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