Ogun Airport Makes History With First International Flight

Ogun Airport Makes History With First International Flight

In Ogun State, 345 pilgrims departed from Gateway International Airport and arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking the airport’s first international flight.

The journey began late Sunday night and ended early Monday at King Abdulaziz International Airport, where officials received the group before moving them to Medina.

The passengers included men and women alongside officials of the state pilgrims board.

After landing, they completed immigration and security checks before heading to their accommodation to rest ahead of the pilgrimage rites.

The trip marked both the start of Hajj operations and a major step for the new airport.

The airport, inaugurated in April by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, handled its first international trip with the flight covering about 4,600 kilometres nonstop.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the moment as a breakthrough for transport and economic growth in the state.

Officials said the new departure point would reduce stress for travellers and improve logistics for future pilgrims.

Community leaders and participants also welcomed the development, noting that it removes the need to travel through Lagos and opens new links for business and global travel.