Ogun Dispatches 345 Pilgrims on First 4,600‑km Flight from New Iperu Gateway Airport

*TL;DR: Ogun State launched its first nonstop 4,600‑km international flight from Iperu’s Gateway Airport, carrying 345 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.*

Context The newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport in Iperu became the departure point for the first batch of Ogun pilgrims heading to the Hajj. The airport, opened by President Bola Tinubu in April, is positioned to serve as a regional gateway for commerce and travel.

Key Facts - The flight left Iperu at 11:00 p.m. Nigerian time on Sunday and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia at 4:15 a.m. the next day. - A total of 345 pilgrims boarded the aircraft, comprising 151 men, 194 women, and officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. - The journey covered 4,600 kilometers nonstop, the longest direct international route ever operated from the Iperu facility. - Upon arrival, Saudi Hajj officials received the group, who then cleared immigration and security before being bused to hotels in Medina. - Governor Dapo Abiodun described the flight as a symbol of “focus, determination, resilience and teamwork,” and highlighted its role in boosting Ogun’s aviation profile.

What It Means The successful launch demonstrates the operational readiness of Gateway Airport and its capacity to handle long‑haul flights. By serving as a dedicated Hajj departure centre, the airport reduces reliance on Lagos and Abuja airports, potentially lowering travel costs for pilgrims. The state government expects the new hub to attract commercial airlines, fostering trade links and tourism.

Looking ahead, officials will monitor passenger volumes and airline interest to gauge the airport’s impact on Ogun’s economic diversification and its ability to become a West African aviation node.