By Olugbenga Salami
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has refuted reports that Saudi carrier Flynas rejected the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, for Hajj operations, calling the claims false and misleading.
NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the decision to temporarily airlift Ogun pilgrims from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was based purely on flight scheduling and operational timing, not on any issue with the Gateway Airport.
According to Yusuf, the adjustment followed a review of flight logistics, aircraft turnaround timelines, and the broader coordination of the 2026 Hajj airlift.
He stressed that Flynas never declared the airport unsuitable or unsafe, contrary to reports circulating in some media outlets.
“Hajj operations involve highly sensitive scheduling arrangements tied to Saudi Arabia’s aviation windows, aircraft rotation plans and pilgrim movement coordination across different states.
“Such operational adjustments are not unusual during large- international pilgrimages,” he explained.
Yusuf urged the public and intending pilgrims to disregard speculative reports aimed at creating panic or undermining the airport project.
He reaffirmed that Gateway International Airport remains a functional and approved facility for international operations.
The chairman assured affected pilgrims that arrangements were in place for their safe and timely transportation to Saudi Arabia, and commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation.
He appealed for calm and patience, noting that the welfare and safety of Nigerian pilgrims remain NAHCON’s top priority.
