In a significant milestone for Imo State and Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri has launched its first international flight, airlifting Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
The inaugural flight, operated by Air Peace, departed on Friday night yesterday, marking a new chapter in the airport’s history.
Air Peace deployed the wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the first time such a large aircraft landed on the Owerri airport runway.
This, according to the authorities, demonstrated the airport’s enhanced capacity and readiness to handle international operations of global standards.
A total of 315 pilgrims were airlifted on the non-stop inaugural flight from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter for the South-East region.
This historic development not only represents a significant milestone for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport but also underscores Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities in expanding international operations across all geopolitical zones.
Vice President Kashim Shettima personally flagged off the flight, commending the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for promoting religious tolerance and inclusiveness in the state.
The Vice President encouraged the pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values and serve as true ambassadors of the nation while in the Holy Land.
Also present at the historic event was the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, alongside other dignitaries and religious leaders from across the country, lending credence to the unity and national significance of the occasion.
The successful flight also comes as a rebuttal to recent rumors that Air Peace had been suspended from Hajj operations. As Governor Uzodinma noted, “The airport would also support the airlift of Christian pilgrims in future exercises, further positioning Owerri as a hub for religious and international travel,” highlighting the state’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and developing its aviation infrastructure.
