Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, has begun direct hajj flights to Saudi Arabia, with the first batch of pilgrims touching down in the kingdom on Wednesday. The inaugural 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight marks a significant expansion of the airport's operations and signals the start of what promises to be a busy hajj season for the facility.
Governor Dapo Abiodun spoke ahead of the flight's departure, highlighting the milestone for the state and the airport. The direct route eliminates the need for pilgrims to transit through other hubs, cutting travel time and reducing the stress associated with the journey to Islam's holiest site.
The move comes as Gateway International Airport continues to position itself as a major aviation hub in the southwest region. Beyond hajj operations, the airport has been pushing to attract more international routes and increase passenger traffic. Direct flights to Saudi Arabia during the hajj season represent both a commercial opportunity and a service to the large Muslim population in Ogun and neighbouring states.
For pilgrims, the nonstop flight offers convenience and efficiency. Historically, those travelling from the southwest have had to route through Lagos or Abuja, adding hours to their journey. Gateway's new service changes that calculus, particularly for residents of Ogun and surrounding areas who can now access international travel closer to home.
The airport authority is expected to continue managing these flights throughout the hajj period, with multiple departures planned to accommodate the large number of intending pilgrims. More routes from Gateway are likely to be announced as the airport's international operations expand.
