The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has dismissed insinuations that the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun, was rejected by Saudi airlines carrier, Flynas for Hajj operations.
Penpushing reports that the chairman of the commission, Ismail Yusuf dismissed the reports in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, described the claims from certain quarters as false, misleading and entirely unfounded.
The Chairman reacted to media reports surrounding the temporary relocation of Ogun state pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, explaining that the adjustment was purely a matter of operational timing and flight scheduling.
Penpushing further reports that Yusuf emphasized that not a consequence of any deficiency or rejection of the Gateway Airport by the airline, adding that 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.
Penpushing also reports that the commission boss urged the public, intending pilgrims and stakeholders to disregard speculative narratives aimed at creating panic or discrediting the airport project.
The statement stated that Gateway International Airport remained a functional and approved facility capable of supporting international operations and reassured affected pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been made to guarantee their safe and timely transportation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Penpushing reports that he commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation and support throughout the exercise, and equally appealed for calm and patience from pilgrims and their families, emphasising that the welfare, safety and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims remain National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON’s) highest priority.
The Ogun State government it would be recalled on a Friday in statement said, the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims from the Gateway International Airport was not due to any safety, operational, or infrastructural challenge at the facility.
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