Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, marked a historic milestone on the night of May 9, 2025, by hosting its first-ever international flight since its establishment.
The landmark event featured the inaugural 2025 Hajj flight operated by Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, which deployed a wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft-the first of its kind to land at the airport-highlighting the facility’s upgraded capacity to handle large international operations.
The non-stop flight carried 315 pilgrims from Owerri directly to Medina, Saudi Arabia, signaling a new era for the South-East region in religious tourism and international connectivity.
This development underscores Nigeria’s expanding aviation capabilities and the airport’s readiness to serve as a gateway for international travel from the region.
Vice President Kashim Shettima personally flagged off the flight, commending Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for fostering religious tolerance and inclusiveness. He urged the pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values as ambassadors in the Holy Land.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure, announcing plans for the airport to also support Christian pilgrim airlifts in future exercises, reinforcing Owerri’s role as a hub for religious and international travel.
The ceremony was further dignified by the presence of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other national religious and political leaders, who praised the event as a symbol of unity and religious harmony.
This successful operation also dispelled rumors about Air Peace’s suspension from Hajj services, reaffirming the airline’s reliability and its pioneering role in launching Hajj flights from a new departure city.
With this historic flight, Air Peace and Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport have set a precedent for regional integration, religious harmony, and aviation excellence in Nigeria, opening new opportunities for economic growth and international engagement in the South-East.
