The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed reports suggesting that the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun, was rejected by Saudi air carrier, Flynas for Hajj operations.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, described the claims from certain quarters as false, misleading and entirely unfounded.
Yusuf reacted to media reports surrounding the temporary relocation of Ogun pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
He said that the adjustment was purely a matter of operational timing and flight scheduling, and not a consequence of any deficiency or rejection of the Gateway Airport by the airline.
According to him, the decision followed a careful review of flight logistics, turnaround timelines and the broader coordination of 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.
“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-scale international pilgrimages,” he said.
The NAHCON chairman urged the public, intending pilgrims and stakeholders to disregard speculative narratives aimed at creating panic or discrediting the airport project.
He said that Gateway International Airport remained a functional and approved facility capable of supporting international operations.
Yusuf further reassured affected pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been made to guarantee their safe and timely transportation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
He appealed for calm and patience from pilgrims and their families, emphasising that the welfare, safety and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims remain NAHCON’s highest priority.
