The Gusau International Airport came alive on Friday as it commenced the airlift of 2026 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia aboard a 747 Boeing aircraft operated by Max Air.
Speaking at the inaugural airlift, Gov. Dauda Lawal expressed excitement, saying he was pleased with the successful takeoff.
Lawal said his administration had fulfilled one of its key campaign promises made to the people of Zamfara during the 2023 elections.
He added that the government would continue efforts to tackle the state’s major challenges, especially insecurity.
With the commencement of flight operations, he said, the airport would begin commercial activities within the next month.
H e noted that arrangements had been concluded for scheduled commercial flights to start within that timeframe.
The governor urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and for the safety of its people.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking for the Gusau International Airport project on June 26, 2024.
A total of 1,451 pilgrims from Zamfara will be airlifted for the 2026 Hajj, with 415 on the inaugural flight.
