By Peter Omopo
The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, has recorded its first international flight with the airlift of 315 Muslim pilgrims to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history.
Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated the historic flight on Saturday, as part of the commencement of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
According to a statement by Air Peace, which operated the non-stop flight, the departure signals a new chapter for both the airport and the South-East region, highlighting their growing capacity for international travel.
The flight was operated using a wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft — the largest aircraft to have ever landed and taken off from the airport. The airline noted that the successful operation reinforces the airport’s upgraded infrastructure and its readiness to accommodate long-haul international flights.
The development is expected to boost confidence in the airport’s capabilities and open up more opportunities for international connectivity from the South-East.
