Governor Lawal flags off inaugural Hajj flight from Gusau International Airport
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has described the departure of the inaugural Hajj flight from Gusau International Airport as a historic milestone for the state, saying the project fulfilled a major campaign promise of his administration.
The inaugural flight departed the airport on Friday with 415 intending pilgrims aboard a Max Air aircraft bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the state government, the pilgrims comprised 288 males and 127 females.
Speaking during the inaugural flight ceremony, Governor Lawal expressed excitement over the development, describing the airport project as a major legacy achievement.
“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 said the new airport would ease the burden previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Sokoto or Kano before boarding flights for Hajj.
“To our intending pilgrims, this is a great opportunity to travel comfortably. In less than four hours, they will reach Saudi Arabia. Before, our pilgrims had to travel to Sokoto or Kano before they could fly for Hajj,” he stated.
