The Ogun State Government has debunked a media report claiming that Saudi airline, Flynas, rejected the use of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, for transporting Ogun pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government described The Punch publication titled “Pilgrims stranded as Saudi airline shuns Ogun airport” as inaccurate and misleading, saying it misrepresented the actual situation.
According to the clarification, the decision to move the second batch of pilgrims away from Gateway International Airport was not based on any safety, technical, or infrastructural shortcomings. Instead, it was caused by a scheduling issue involving Saudi aviation authorities, who were unable to secure a landing slot for Nigeria’s designated carrier, Max Air, engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for operations at the airport. This led to a necessary adjustment in flight arrangements.
The government explained that the notification of the scheduling constraint came just about two weeks before the planned operations, forcing NAHCON to redirect the affected pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as a practical alternative.
It further stressed that Flynas did not reject the airport on any grounds related to safety or operational capacity, countering the claims made in the report.
The statement also highlighted that the first batch of pilgrims had already departed successfully from the Gateway International Airport without any issues, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation and Hajj operations.
Commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the airport has been certified for international operations, including Hajj flights, by relevant authorities such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The government added that the facility has undergone multiple technical and safety assessments since 2025 and is equipped with modern systems, including a CAT II Instrument Landing System, advanced navigation aids, and upgraded weather monitoring technology.
It also noted that the runway is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 747, and Airbus A380, reinforcing its readiness for international aviation operations.
According to the statement, no aviation regulator would have approved the airport if there were any safety or operational concerns, adding that even presidential aircraft have landed there successfully.
While reaffirming its respect for press freedom, the government urged media organisations to ensure proper fact-checking before publishing reports, especially on sensitive issues involving national infrastructure and international aviation operations.
Thank you for visiting The Vestigator, don't forget to share!
