Ogun Gateway Airport gets NCAA approval for 2026 Hajj flights

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has granted full regulatory approval to Gateway International Airport in Ogun State to participate in the 2026 Hajj operations.

According to an official memo dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, the Ogun airport is among five facilities cleared to handle Hajj flights without restrictions.

The approval followed comprehensive inspections by the aviation regulator, which assessed operational readiness, safety compliance, security arrangements and passenger facilitation standards at designated airports for the pilgrimage exercise.

The NCAA said the evaluations were conducted in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations and global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, with a strong focus on safety, security and efficient operations.

Gateway International Airport was approved for 24-hour Hajj operations alongside major airports such as Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport.

The regulator noted that the approved airports have adequate facilities to support Hajj operations, a development expected to ease travel logistics for pilgrims, particularly those from Ogun State and neighbouring areas, while reducing congestion at traditionally busy airports.

Industry observers say the clearance could also boost investor confidence in the airport’s long-term commercial prospects, following earlier debates about its readiness for international operations.

The memo further indicated that 12 other airports received conditional approval, pending improvements in identified regulatory gaps. Among them is the General Muhammadu Buhari Airport.

In a separate development, the NCAA sanctioned XEJET Airways with a ₦2 million fine over alleged violations of passenger rights. The agency said the penalty is part of ongoing efforts to enforce consumer protection standards and improve service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The NCAA maintained that the sanction underscores its commitment to ensuring airlines comply with regulations designed to protect passengers from poor service and operational lapses.