Zamfara Records First Hajj Flight from Gusau International Airport
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
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, following the successful airlift of 415 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The inaugural flight, operated by Max Air aboard flight NGL270, departed from the Gusau International Airport with 288 male and 127 female pilgrims on board.
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Governor Lawal expressed satisfaction over the commencement of direct international operations from the airport, describing the project as one of the major legacy initiatives of his administration.
According to the governor, the airport construction commenced on June 18, 2024, amid doubts from critics over the feasibility of completing the project within record time.
He said the commencement of direct Hajj flights from Gusau would significantly ease the burden previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Kano or Sokoto before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
Lawal noted that the new arrangement would allow pilgrims to travel more comfortably and reach Saudi Arabia in less than four hours.
The governor further stated that the successful takeoff of the inaugural Hajj flight represented the fulfilment of a key campaign promise made to the people of Zamfara State.
He also disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with airline operators to commence commercial flight operations from the Gusau International Airport.
Governor Lawal thanked residents of the state for their support and prayers, while urging the intending pilgrims to pray for Zamfara State and Nigeria during the pilgrimage.
