Zamfara State on Friday recorded its first-ever Hajj flight departing from the newly constructed Gusau International Airport, as 415 intending pilgrims boarded a Max Air flight bound for Saudi Arabia.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Idris.
According to the statement, the inaugural flight, operated by Max Air with flight number NGL270, conveyed 288 male and 127 female pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Speaking during the departure ceremony, Governor Lawal described the event as a historic milestone and a major fulfilment of his administration’s campaign promises.
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“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 stated.
“Many doubted this would become a reality, but today it has. We began building this International Airport on June 18, 2024,” he added.
Lawal noted that the airport would significantly ease the burden previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Kano or Sokoto before boarding Hajj flights.
According to him, the new development would reduce travel stress and enable pilgrims to reach Saudi Arabia in less than four hours.
The governor further disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with airline operators to commence commercial flight operations from the airport.
He thanked the people of Zamfara State for their support and prayers, while wishing the intending pilgrims a successful Hajj exercise and safe return.
Lawal also urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, progress and development in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.