The Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, has recorded its first international flight operation, successfully airlifting Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The flight, operated by Max Air, departed the airport on Sunday night carrying 345 pilgrims, made up of 151 males and 194 females, along with officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, the aircraft landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone for the newly developed airport.
He explained that the development officially signals the commencement of Hajj operations in the state and highlights Ogun State’s emergence as a growing hub in regional and international aviation.
The statement further noted that the successful flight demonstrates the airport’s readiness for wide-body aircraft operations and its compliance with global aviation standards for long-haul international travel.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the inaugural international operation as a major milestone in the state’s development journey, stating that it reflects years of planning, commitment, and teamwork aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity.
He added that the achievement supports Ogun State’s broader ambition of becoming a centre for commerce, investment, and global transport connectivity, while also praising the Federal Government and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for approving the airport as a Hajj departure point.
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Yusuf, represented by Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would ease travel burdens for pilgrims in the South-West by removing the need for long-distance travel to other airports.
He also noted that the Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in the region cleared for Hajj operations without restrictions.
Earlier, Governor Abiodun had inaugurated the airport’s first commercial flight in October 2025, describing the project as part of his administration’s transport modernization agenda.
The successful Hajj departure marks another step in the airport’s operational expansion.
