From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri, Imo State, will host its inaugural international flight on May 9, nearly four decades after its establishment in 1983. The milestone follows extensive upgrades to the runway and facilities, including night landing capabilities, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, announced in Owerri: “As parts of the ceremony, those heading to this year’s Hajj from Imo State will be lifted direct from Owerri to their destination.”
He added that Christian pilgrims will depart for the Holy Land from the airport in June 2025. The Air Peace flight, carrying 315 Hajj pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States, will be attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries, including political and religious leaders and industry captains.
Emelumba expressed optimism about the airport’s new status: “Now that Imo airport will be on call for international flights, it would make it easier for would be investors from any part of the world to access Imo State for businesses.”
He noted that Imo’s diaspora community would benefit from direct flights, avoiding the inconvenience of transiting through other airports like Port Harcourt or Lagos. The upgrades, he said, reflect Uzodimma’s efforts to boost Imo’s economy.