Zamfara State on Friday recorded its first-ever Hajj flight from the newly built Gusau International Airport, as 415 intending pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia aboard a Max Air aircraft.
The flight, marked NGL270, carried 288 male and 127 female pilgrims from the airport in Gusau, the state capital.
Speaking during the inaugural flight, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal described the moment as a major milestone for the state and his administration.
“I am happy today that our pilgrims will be flying directly from Gusau International Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage,” the governor said.
“Many doubted this would become a reality, but today it has. We began building this International Airport on June 18, 2024.”
Lawal called the airport a legacy project and said it fulfilled one of his campaign promises to the people of the state.
“I can’t express how happy I am.
"To our intending pilgrims, this is a great opportunity to travel comfortably.
"In less than four hours, they will reach Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Before, our pilgrims had to travel to Sokoto or Kano before they could fly for Hajj.”
The governor also said the state government had started discussions with airlines that would operate commercial flights from the airport.
“We have already begun discussions with airlines that will operate commercial flights from the Gusau International Airport,” he said.
Lawal wished the pilgrims a successful journey and urged them to pray for Zamfara State and Nigeria during the pilgrimage.
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