Report from Owerri, the Imo State capital says, the first international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Air Peace, has airlifted 315 Muslim Pilgrims non-stop from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Vice President of Nigeria, Kassim Shettima, inaugurated the first international flight from the Airport.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was also present at the event.
In a statement shared with Sunday Punch, Air Peace said the historic departure marked the commencement of the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage, ushering in a new era for both the Airport and the South-East region.
The Airline said, ‘It is the first time such a large aircraft has landed and taken off from the Owerri runway, reinforcing the proof of the Airport’s upgraded infrastructure and readiness to handle international long-haul operations.
‘This is not just a flight; it is a symbol of progress, unity, and Nigeria’s expanding global footprint in aviation’.
The airline stressed that while flagging off the flight, the vice president praised the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma ‘for his administration’s commitment to religious inclusion and infrastructural development in Imo State’.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, reaffirmed his vision to position Owerri as a regional hub for both Christian and Muslim Pilgrimage flights, promising continued investment in aviation infrastructure.
‘The successful operation of this flight also put to rest unfounded rumors about Air Peace being suspended from Hajj services. Instead, the airline demonstrated its operational capacity and commitment to national service by pioneering Hajj operations from a new departure point solidifying its role as a key enabler of religious travel and connectivity in Nigeria’, the airline noted.
Share your thoughts on the story First International Flight From Imo Airport Airlifts Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia with Nigerian Kicker in the comments section.
