Owerri Airport Marks First International Flight History As Air Peace Lifts Hajj Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia | TheNewsDESK

Saturday May 10, 2025 |

History unfolded at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri on Friday, May 9, as its runway accommodated its maiden international flight. A wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft, operated by West and Central Africa’s largest airline Air Peace, departed with the first batch of pilgrims from the South-East region heading to Medina for the 2025 Hajj.

The sight of the large aircraft, a first for the airport, underscored its upgraded capacity to handle international operations. A total of 315 pilgrims embarked on the non-stop flight, signifying a pivotal moment for international connectivity and religious tourism in Nigeria’s South-East.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, officiated the departure, praising Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for fostering religious harmony within the state. He urged the departing pilgrims to represent Nigeria well during their pilgrimage.
Governor Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s dedication to improving the state’s aviation infrastructure, stating that the airport would also facilitate the travel of Christian pilgrims in future.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other prominent figures attended the landmark event, emphasizing its national importance and unity.

The successful flight also counters recent speculation regarding Air Peace’s involvement in Hajj operations, reaffirming the airline’s reliability. The commencement of Hajj flights from Owerri marks a significant expansion of Nigeria’s international aviation footprint.

This inaugural international flight positions both Air Peace and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport as key players in enhancing regional integration, promoting religious understanding, and advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.