History was made at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, as the airport hosted its first-ever international flight on Saturday, May 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone for air travel in the South-East region of Nigeria. The inaugural flight was flagged off by Vice President Kassim Shettima, who described the event as “a symbol of progress, unity, and inclusion.”

The historic flight, operated by Air Peace, transported 315 Muslim pilgrims non-stop from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia for the commencement of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. A wide-body Boeing 777-300, one of the largest aircraft types in Air Peace’s fleet, was deployed for the operation—making it the first time such a large aircraft landed and took off from the Owerri runway.

In a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH, the airline said the successful flight reflects the airport’s newly upgraded infrastructure and its readiness to handle long-haul international operations. “This is not just a flight; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s expanding aviation footprint and the readiness of the South-East to support international travel and religious tourism,” the airline noted.

While addressing the crowd, Vice President Shettima commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his dedication to infrastructure renewal and religious inclusivity. “The Imo State Government has demonstrated what’s possible when leadership meets purpose,” Shettima said, praising the synergy between federal and state governments.

Governor Uzodimma used the occasion to reaffirm his vision of making Owerri a regional hub for Christian and Muslim pilgrimage flights, promising sustained investment in aviation infrastructure. “We’re not only connecting people to destinations, we’re connecting cultures, faiths, and futures,” he said.

Also present at the landmark event was His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who joined religious and community leaders in blessing the departing pilgrims. The event was marked with prayers, cultural displays, and the strong presence of aviation stakeholders.

The successful operation also debunked rumors circulating earlier this year that Air Peace had been suspended from Hajj services, proving instead the airline’s continued commitment to serving Nigeria’s religious communities. With this achievement, the Owerri airport now stands as a functional international gateway, opening new opportunities for the South-East in both religious and commercial aviation.