Owerri Airport Records First-Ever International Flight as Air Peace Airlifts 2025 Hajj Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

History was made on the night of May 9, 2025, as the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, witnessed its first-ever international flight since inception.

August24news.com gathered that the landmark event was the departure of the inaugural 2025 Hajj flight, operated by Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace.

Making the feat even more remarkable was the deployment of the wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the first time such a large aircraft landed on the Owerri airport runway. This demonstrated the airport’s enhanced capacity and readiness to handle international operations of global standards.

A total of 315 pilgrims were airlifted on the non-stop inaugural flight from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter for the South-East region in religious tourism and international connectivity. This historic development not only represents a significant milestone for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport but also underscores Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities in expanding international operations across all geopolitical zones.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, personally flagged off the flight, commending Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for promoting religious tolerance and inclusiveness in the state. In his address, the Vice President encouraged the pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values and serve as true ambassadors of the nation while in the Holy Land.

Governor Uzodinma, in his remarks, reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s aviation infrastructure. He emphasized that the airport would also support the airlift of Christian pilgrims in future exercises, further positioning Owerri as a hub for religious and international travel.

Also present at the historic event was the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, alongside other dignitaries and religious leaders from across the country, lending credence to the unity and national significance of the occasion.

This successful flight also comes as a strong rebuttal to recent rumors suggesting the suspension of Air Peace from Hajj operations. Not only has the airline continued to uphold its reputation as a dependable partner in national service, but it has also now inaugurated the 2025 Hajj operations from a new departure city, Owerri.

With this development, Air Peace and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport have entered the annals of history, signaling a new era of regional integration, religious harmony, and aviation excellence in Nigeria.

SAHCO WINS NEOSAIR GROUND HANDLING CONTRACT 

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, a leading Ground Handling service provider in Nigeria, is proud to announce its new partnership with NeosAir starting from October 30th, 2024 that would be flying from Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos once a week.

Under this new agreement, SAHCO will be providing full ground handling services for NeosAir which include Ramp handling, Passenger handling, Baggage handling, Cargo handling, Aircraft cleaning, and more.

SAHCO’s experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment are fully prepared to meet the unique needs of NeosAir’s operations, ensuring seamless and efficient turnarounds at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.”We are thrilled to partner with NeosAir on this important venture,” said Dr (Barr) Taiwo Afolabi (CON) Chairman, SAHCO. “This patronage reflects the trust and confidence that NeosAir has in our capabilities.

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to support their operations, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient ground handling for their flights.” 

He went on to emphasize that SAHCO is ISAGO and RA3 certified which means that SAHCO has the certification to handle all Europe bound cargo and can accept shipments from Europe as well.

Furthermore, SAHCO has a proven track record of providing top-tier ground handling services to major airlines operating in Nigeria.

The company is known for its dedication to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With the addition of NeosAir to its growing list of clients, SAHCO continues to strengthen its position as a leading ground handling service provider in the region. 

NeosAir is a private Italian airline whose headquarters is in Somma Lombardo, Lombardy, Italy and is a subsidiary of Alpitour S.p.A.

In addition, NeosAir operates from its main operating base at Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy to Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

Arik Air is Back in the Skies – Flights Resume on August 8, 2024

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Arik Air has it’s has resumed it’s flight operations wtoday, August 8, 2024.

the was announced during its press briefing.

we have been dedicated to ensuring a smooth and seamless return to service, preparing to welcome you back on board with the comfort and reliability you expect from us.

Our entire team has been working tirelessly to enhance your travel experience. F

rom our friendly ground staff to our attentive flight crews, everyone at Arik Air is ready and eager to serve you once again.

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you can rely on Arik Air to get you to your destination smoothly and comfortably.

We extend our gratitude to all the stakeholders who played a crucial role in resolving the recent impasse.

Your support and cooperation have been instrumental in our return to the skies.

Thank you for choosing Arik. We look forward to seeing you on board!