Zamfara State on Friday recorded its first Hajj flight departing from Gusau International Airport, as 415 intending pilgrims boarded Max Air flight NGL270 bound for Saudi Arabia.
This is according to a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH by Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.
The inaugural flight, which Lawal described as a historic milestone, carried 288 males and 127 females.
Speaking during the departure, the governor expressed excitement over the development, describing the construction of Gusau International Airport as a legacy project of great importance to 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.
‘Many doubted this would become a reality, but today it has. We began building this International Airport on 18 June 2024’, Lawal was quoted to have said.
The governor noted that pilgrims would now reach Saudi Arabia in less than four hours, saying the development had eliminated the burden of travelling to Sokoto or Kano before boarding Hajj flights.
‘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.
Lawal also disclosed that discussions had already begun with airlines to operate commercial flights from the airport.
‘I thank the people for their prayers and trust in us. This is just the beginning’, he said.
The governor wished the pilgrims a successful flight and pilgrimage, urging them to pray for Zamfara and Nigeria.
