The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, saw its first international flight since its founding in 1983 when Sen. Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, officially opened the historic 2025 hajj pilgrimage exercise.
With 315 passengers, Nigeria’s top airline, Air Peace, transported the pilgrims to Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Shettima praised Imo State Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma for encouraging religious tolerance and inclusivity in the state during Friday night’s flag-off event.
While at the Holy Land, the pilgrims were also urged by the vice president to respect Nigerian principles and act as genuine representatives of the country.
Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the state’s aviation infrastructure during his speech.
In order to further establish Owerri as a center for religious and international tourism, he emphasized that the airport will also facilitate the airlift of Christian pilgrims during upcoming exercises.
According to an Air Peace statement, 315 pilgrims were carried from the airport to Medina, Saudi Arabia.
For the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the pilgrims were transported to the Asian nation in a nonstop flight.
According to Air Peace’s management, the airline used its wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft for the journey, which was the first time a plane of that size had ever touched down on the runway at Owerri airport.
According to the statement, this showed the airport’s increased capability and preparedness to manage international operations of the highest caliber.
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In addition to marking an important milestone for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, the announcement said, “this historic development underscores Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities in expanding international operations across all geopolitical zones.”
Additionally, this successful flight serves as a powerful refutation of recent rumors that Air Peace has been suspended from Hajj operations.
In addition to maintaining its standing as a trustworthy partner in national service, the airline has recently launched its 2025 hajj operations from Owerri, a new departure city.
Along with other dignitaries and religious leaders from throughout the nation, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was also present at the historic event, which further supported the event’s unity and national significance.
