The Ogun State Government has intensified preparations to commence international operations at Gateway International Airport, with plans to inaugurate passenger services through Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia in 2026.
The move formed part of the state’s broader strategy to expand its aviation infrastructure and position Ogun as a key economic hub in Nigeria’s South-West, while also providing an alternative gateway for international travel and cargo logistics.
Governor Dapo Abiodun initiated high-level engagements with federal aviation and security agencies to ensure the airport met all statutory requirements for international certification.
To coordinate the process, the governor mandated Capt. Dapo Olumide, the consultant on aviation matters and accountable manager of the airport, will lead consultations with relevant agencies.
These included the Nigeria Immigration Service for international passenger processing, the Nigeria Customs Service—represented by Assistant Comptroller-General B. Mohammed—to facilitate cargo and trade operations, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to integrate specialised security and screening procedures.
State officials said current efforts focused on deploying specialised personnel and strengthening the airport’s security architecture.
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The project operated under the regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure full compliance with international aviation standards.
Key operational components nearing completion included passenger processing systems tailored for the high-volume demands of pilgrimage travel, enhanced cargo facilities to support international trade, and improved regional connectivity.
Officials noted that the airport would complement operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport by easing congestion and improving travel efficiency across the South-West.
Launching international operations with Hajj flights was widely seen as a significant milestone for the Muslim community in Ogun State, offering pilgrims a more convenient departure point.
Beyond pilgrimage travel, the state government projected that the airport would stimulate aviation-driven commerce, attract investment and strengthen the movement of goods from the state’s industrial and agro-processing corridors.
Commercial passenger flights had already commenced at the airport in late 2025, while cargo operations were expected to follow.
Officials described the planned 2026 Hajj operations as a key step in transforming the facility into a fully operational international aviation hub.
