Owerri Airport Makes History with First Int’l Flight as Air Peace Airlifts 2025 Hajj Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, recorded its first-ever international flight on the night of Friday, 9 May 2025.

The groundbreaking moment came as Nigeria’s foremost airline, Air Peace, successfully airlifted 315 pilgrims on a direct flight to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of the 2025 Hajj operations from the South-East.

The event was further elevated by the deployment of Air Peace’s wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft – an aircraft of significant size and capability – making its first landing on the Owerri airport’s runway.

This not only demonstrated the airport’s expanded infrastructure and operational readiness for international travel, but also reinforced its potential as a strategic aviation hub in the region.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, officially flagged off the flight in a ceremony attended by an array of dignitaries, religious leaders, and government officials.

In his address, Vice President Shettima hailed the initiative as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to religious inclusion and national unity. He lauded the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his visionary leadership and promotion of religious harmony.

“Today, we celebrate not just a flight, but a bridge between Nigeria and the Holy Land, and a testament to our ability to grow and unify through shared faith and purpose,” the Vice President stated, urging the pilgrims to uphold national values and represent Nigeria honourably during their pilgrimage.

Governor Uzodimma, speaking at the occasion, reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure in Imo State.

He affirmed that the state is poised to facilitate future international pilgrimages for both Muslim and Christian faithful, positioning Owerri as a centre for religious tourism and global connectivity.

“This achievement marks a turning point. It is not only about flying from Owerri to Medina; it is about opening up our state to the world and ensuring our people have direct access to international opportunities,” Governor Uzodimma said.

Adding spiritual and cultural weight to the historic event was the presence of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who joined other religious leaders from across the country in celebrating the occasion, highlighting the unity and national relevance of the development.

The success of the inaugural flight also served to dispel recent rumours suggesting the exclusion of Air Peace from the 2025 Hajj operations.

On the contrary, the airline’s performance has reasserted its role as a reliable partner in national service, particularly in the religious tourism sector.

This landmark flight positions both Air Peace and Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport at the forefront of Nigeria’s drive towards equitable aviation development, regional integration, and religious harmony.

With the South-East now officially plugged into international air routes, a new era of connectivity, economic growth, and national pride has dawned.