In a historic milestone, Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, operated the first-ever international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday night. The airline transported 315 Muslim pilgrims from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, for the 2025 Hajj.
The special flight, which marked the kickoff of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, was flagged off by Vice President Kashim Shettima on May 9, 2025.
For this landmark operation, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-300, a wide-body aircraft making its debut on the Owerri airport runway another first for the region.
“This historic flight not only marks a major milestone for Air Peace but also highlights the improved capacity of Owerri Airport to handle international operations,” said Osifo-Whiskey Efe, spokesperson for the airline. “The non-stop flight to Medina signals a new era of global religious tourism and connectivity for the South-East.”
During the flag-off ceremony, Vice President Shettima praised Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for fostering religious tolerance and inclusiveness. He also urged the pilgrims to represent Nigeria with dignity and uphold the nation’s values during their pilgrimage.
Governor Uzodinma reaffirmed his government’s dedication to strengthening the state’s aviation infrastructure and announced plans to support future Christian pilgrimage flights, positioning Owerri as a key hub for both religious and international travel.
The occasion was further elevated by the presence of prominent Islamic leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, underscoring the event’s national significance and unity.
Efe also addressed recent speculation about Air Peace being sidelined from Hajj operations, calling the successful flight “a clear response to those rumours,” and reaffirming the airline’s ongoing commitment to national service.
