The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has dismissed reports claiming that the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport was rejected by Saudi carrier Flynas for Hajj operations.
NAHCON described the reports as false, misleading and entirely unfounded.
Reacting to media reports surrounding the temporary relocation of Ogun pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ambassador Yusuf clarified that the adjustment was strictly based on operational timing and flight scheduling considerations, and not due to any deficiency or rejection of the Gateway Airport by the airline.
According to him, the decision followed a careful review of flight logistics, turnaround timelines and broader coordination requirements for the ongoing 2026 Hajj airlift exercise.
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He stressed that at no point did Flynas declare the airport unsuitable or unsafe for operations, contrary to insinuations circulating in some sections of the media.
The NAHCON Chairman explained that Hajj operations involve highly sensitive scheduling arrangements tied to Saudi Arabia’s aviation windows, aircraft rotation plans and pilgrim movement coordination across different states, noting that such operational adjustments are common during large-scale international pilgrimages.
Speculative Narratives
Ambassador Yusuf urged the public, intending pilgrims and stakeholders to disregard speculative narratives aimed at creating panic or discrediting the airport project, insisting that Gateway International Airport remained a functional and approved facility capable of supporting international operations.
He reassured affected pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure their safe and timely transportation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while commending the Ogun State Government for its cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
Ambassador Yusuf also appealed for calm and patience from pilgrims and their families, emphasising that the welfare, safety and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims remained NAHCON’s highest priority.
