The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed reports alleging that Saudi airline Flynas rejected the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, for Hajj flight operations.
In a statement issued on Friday, NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf described the claims circulating in some sections of the media as inaccurate, misleading, and completely unfounded.
The clarification followed reports concerning the temporary relocation of Ogun State pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for the ongoing 2026 Hajj airlift exercise.
According to Yusuf, the decision had nothing to do with safety concerns, operational deficiencies, or rejection of the airport by Flynas.
He explained that the adjustment was purely based on operational timing, flight scheduling, and logistical coordination associated with the Hajj exercise.
“At no point did Flynas declare the airport unsuitable or unsafe for operations, contrary to insinuations circulating in some sections of the media,” Yusuf stated.
He further explained that Hajj transportation arrangements often involve highly sensitive international aviation schedules, including aircraft rotation plans, Saudi Arabian aviation windows, and coordination of pilgrim movement from different parts of Nigeria.
“Hajj operations involve highly sensitive scheduling arrangements tied to Saudi Arabia’s aviation windows, aircraft rotation plans and pilgrim movement coordination across different states,” he added.
The NAHCON chairman noted that such adjustments are common during large-scale pilgrimage operations and should not be interpreted as evidence of any issue with the airport facility.
Earlier, the Ogun State Government also clarified that the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims from the Gateway International Airport was not connected to any infrastructural, operational, or safety problem at the airport.
Yusuf urged intending pilgrims and members of the public to disregard speculative reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining confidence in the airport project.
He maintained that the Gateway International Airport remains a fully functional and approved facility capable of handling international operations.
The NAHCON chairman also reassured affected pilgrims that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure their safe and timely transportation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation throughout the exercise and appealed to pilgrims and their families to remain calm and patient.
According to him, the safety, welfare, and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims remain NAHCON’s top priority.
