Gateway Airport remains approved for international operations, NAHCON says, dismissing reports of rejection by Flynas

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Friday dismissed reports alleging that Saudi Arabian airline Flynas rejected the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, for Hajj operations.

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NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, described the claims as false, misleading and entirely unfounded while reacting to reports surrounding the temporary relocation of Ogun pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

According to Ismail Yusuf, the adjustment was strictly related to operational timing and flight scheduling and had nothing to do with any alleged deficiency at the Gateway Airport facility.

The NAHCON chairman explained that the decision followed a careful review of flight logistics, aircraft turnaround timelines and broader coordination requirements linked to the ongoing 2026 Hajj airlift exercise.

“At no point did Flynas declare the airport unsuitable or unsafe for operations, contrary to insinuations circulating in some sections of the media,” he said.

Ismail Yusuf added that Hajj operations involve complex scheduling arrangements tied to Saudi Arabia’s aviation windows, aircraft rotation plans and the movement of pilgrims across multiple states.

He stressed that such operational adjustments are common during large-scale international pilgrimages and should not be interpreted as a rejection of the Gateway Airport.

The clarification came shortly after the Ogun State Government also denied reports suggesting that the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims was caused by safety, operational or infrastructural concerns at the airport.

NAHCON urged intending pilgrims, stakeholders and members of the public to ignore speculative narratives capable of creating panic or undermining confidence in the airport project.

The commission maintained that the Gateway Airport remains a functional and approved facility capable of supporting international flight operations.

Ismail Yusuf further reassured affected pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure their safe and timely transportation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

He also commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation and support throughout the airlift process.

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The NAHCON chairman appealed for calm and patience from pilgrims and their families, emphasising that the safety, welfare and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims remain the commission’s highest priority.