Hundreds of Muslim pilgrims from Zamfara State have departed for Saudi Arabia in what officials described as a historic moment for the state, as the newly built Gusau International Airport recorded its first-ever hajj flight.
A total of 415 intending pilgrims were airlifted aboard a Max Air aircraft on Friday, marking the airport’s inaugural international operation. Among the passengers were 288 men and 127 women heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.
Governor Dauda Lawal celebrated the development, saying the successful airlift fulfilled a major campaign promise made by his administration.
According to him, the airport project officially began on June 18, 2024, despite doubts from critics over whether it would ever become reality.
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Lawal said the new airport would end the stressful journeys previously endured by Zamfara pilgrims, who often had to travel to Kano or Sokoto before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
The governor added that the direct airlift would make travel easier and faster for pilgrims, noting that they could now reach Saudi Arabia in less than four hours from Gusau.
Describing the airport as one of the legacy projects of his government, Lawal also revealed that talks had already started with airlines to begin commercial flight operations from the facility.
He further urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, progress, and stability in Zamfara State and Nigeria during their stay in the holy land.
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