The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri recorded its maiden international flight as Air Peace airlifted hundreds of pilgrims from the facility for the 2025 hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The airline said in a statement that the flight was operated with a wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
It added that it was the first time such a large aircraft landed at the airport.
“This demonstrated the airport’s enhanced capacity and readiness to handle international operations of global standards,” the statement said.
A total of 315 pilgrims were airlifted on the non-stop inaugural flight from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter for the southeast region in religious tourism and international connectivity.
“This historic development not only represents a significant milestone for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport but also underscores Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities in expanding international operations across all geopolitical zones,” the airline said.
President at the airport to witness the inaugural flight was the vice president, Mr Kashim Shettima, who, according to the airline, commended the governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodinma, for promoting religious tolerance and inclusiveness in the state.
Shettima encouraged the pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values and serve as true ambassadors of the nation while in the Holy Land.
In his remarks, Uzodinma reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s aviation infrastructure.
He emphasised that the airport would also support the airlift of Christian pilgrims in future exercises to further position Owerri as a hub for religious and international travels.
Also present at the event was the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, alongside other dignitaries and religious leaders in the country.
“This successful flight also comes as a strong rebuttal to recent rumors suggesting the suspension of Air Peace from Hajj operations.
“Not only has the airline continued to uphold its reputation as a dependable partner in national service, but it has also now inaugurated the 2025 Hajj operations from a new departure city, Owerri.
“With this development, Air Peace and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport have entered the annals of history, signaling a new era of regional integration, religious harmony, and aviation excellence in Nigeria,” the statement added.
