Gov Lawal makes history as first Hajj flight departs Gusau International Airport

Governor Dauda Lawal on Friday described the departure of the first Hajj flight from the newly constructed Gusau International Airport as a historic milestone for Zamfara State, saying the project fulfilled a major campaign promise of his administration.

The statement announcing the development was issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Friday.

According to the statement, the inaugural flight, operated by Max Air with flight number NGL270, departed the airport with 415 intending pilgrims from Zamfara State heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The pilgrims comprised 288 males and 127 females.

Speaking during the takeoff ceremony in Gusau, Governor Lawal expressed delight that Zamfara pilgrims would now travel directly from the state to Saudi Arabia without passing through neighbouring states.

According to him, the commencement of Hajj operations from the airport marked a turning point in the state’s transportation and aviation history.

“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.

“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. Before now, our pilgrims had to travel to Sokoto or Kano before they could fly for Hajj.”

Lawal described the airport as one of the legacy projects of his administration, noting that the facility would boost economic activities and improve connectivity for Zamfara State.

He said discussions had already commenced with airlines for the commencement of commercial flight operations from the airport.

“Words cannot fully express my happiness, but I will say this is a historic milestone and a fulfilment of our campaign promises. I am committed to doing even more for our dear state,” he added.

“I thank the people for their prayers and trust in us. This is just the beginning.

“We have already begun discussions with airlines that will operate commercial flights from the Gusau International Airport.”

The governor also urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, progress and stability in Zamfara State and Nigeria during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

“I wish our intending pilgrims a successful flight and pilgrimage. I also urge them to pray for Zamfara and Nigeria,” he said.

The inauguration of the Hajj flight marks the first international airlift operation from the airport since construction began in June 2024.

The development is expected to ease the burden on pilgrims from Zamfara who previously travelled by road to airports in Kano and Sokoto before departing for Saudi Arabia.