Sam Mbakwe Airport welcomes first international flight as 315 pilgrims depart for Hajj

History was made on Friday as Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri recorded its first-ever international flight, marking a major leap in the airport’s evolution and regional aviation capacity.

The milestone event was facilitated by Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest airline, which deployed a Boeing 777-300 to airlift 315 pilgrims from the South-East directly to Medina, Saudi Arabia, for the 2025 Hajj.

This inaugural international operation underscores the success of recent upgrades at the facility, which now positions the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft and support large-scale global travel.

Governor Uzodimma, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting aviation infrastructure, adding that the facility will also be available for Christian pilgrimages in the future.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was among several dignitaries who attended the event, underscoring its national significance and the sense of unity it fostered.

This successful flight also put to rest recent doubts about Air Peace’s role in the Hajj operations, reinforcing the airline’s reputation for reliability.

The launch of international Hajj flights from Owerri not only enhances Nigeria’s aviation reach but also strengthens regional connectivity and promotes religious coexistence.