Imo airport records first international flight

The Vice President, Kassim Shettima, has inaugurated the first international flight from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.

This was as Air Peace airlifted 315 Muslim pilgrims non-stop from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, according to a statement on Saturday.

In a statement shared with us,, Air Peace said the historic departure marked the commencement of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, ushering in a new era for both the airport and the South-East region.

The milestone flight was operated with a wide-body Boeing 777-300.

The airline said, “It is the first time such a large aircraft has landed and taken off from the Owerri runway, reinforcing the proof of the airport’s upgraded infrastructure and readiness to handle international long-haul operations.

This is not just a flight; it is a symbol of progress, unity, and Nigeria’s expanding global footprint in aviation.”

The airline stressed that while flagging off the flight, the vice president praised the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma “for his administration’s commitment to religious inclusion and infrastructural development in Imo State.”

Also speaking at the event, Uzodinma, reaffirmed his vision to position Owerri as a regional hub for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage flights, promising continued investment in aviation infrastructure.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was also present at the event.

“The successful operation of this flight also put to rest unfounded rumors about Air Peace being suspended from Hajj services. Instead, the airline demonstrated its operational capacity and commitment to national service by pioneering Hajj operations from a new departure point solidifying its role as a key enabler of religious travel and connectivity in Nigeria,” the airline noted.