Ogun State Government has denied reports that Flynas rejected Gateway International Airport for 2026 Hajj operations, calling the claims misleading
The Ogun State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Saudi airline Flynas rejected the Gateway International Airport in Iperu for the transportation of pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, describing the claims as false and misleading.
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In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government said the publication suggesting operational or safety concerns at the airport was inaccurate and a distortion of facts.
The report, originally published by a national newspaper, claimed that pilgrims were stranded due to the airline’s alleged refusal to use the facility.
However, the state government insisted that the situation was unrelated to any deficiency at the airport.
According to the statement, the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims was caused by scheduling constraints involving Saudi aviation authorities, which were unable to secure a landing slot for the designated carrier, Max Air, engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
The government explained that this development occurred shortly before the scheduled operations, prompting NAHCON to redirect affected pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as a practical alternative.
It further stressed that the Gateway International Airport remains fully certified for international operations, including Hajj flights, having met all regulatory requirements set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and international aviation standards.
The statement highlighted that the airport has undergone several technical and safety evaluations and is equipped with modern infrastructure, including advanced landing systems and navigation technology capable of supporting wide-body aircraft.
Officials also pointed out that the airport had already successfully handled an initial batch of pilgrims without incident, describing the operation as a significant milestone for aviation development in the state.
Reaffirming confidence in the facility, the government noted that the airport has also hosted high-level presidential flights, underscoring its operational readiness.
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While urging caution in reporting sensitive infrastructure matters, the state government called on media organisations to verify information before publication in order to avoid public misinformation.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
