Owerri Airport Launches First-Ever International Flight with Air Peace Hajj Airlift

History was made on May 9, 2025, as Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, recorded its first international flight with the airlift of 315 pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. The landmark event was executed by Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, which deployed its wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft—marking the first time such a large jet landed on the airport’s runway.

This inaugural flight from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, signaled a new era of international connectivity and religious tourism for the South-East region. It also highlighted the airport’s improved capacity to handle global operations and underscored Nigeria’s efforts to decentralize international air travel across all geopolitical zones.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who flagged off the flight, praised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for fostering religious inclusivity and advancing aviation infrastructure in the state. He urged the pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values and represent the nation with dignity while on the pilgrimage.

Governor Uzodinma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Owerri a major hub for both Islamic and Christian pilgrimages, pledging to support future faith-based airlifts. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was also in attendance alongside other prominent dignitaries and religious leaders.