Gusau International Airport received its first aircraft, ending Zamfara State’s 30-year wait for an operational airport.
Governor Dauda Lawal was present to observe the development, which officials described as a landmark moment for the state’s aviation ambitions.
Furthermore, the Gusau Airport first flight Zamfara March 2026 milestone comes as Nigeria accelerates airport development across previously underserved states.
Zamfara, the last state in Nigeria’s northwest without an operational airport, finally joins the national aviation map.
A Bombardier Challenger 605 with registration 5N-FGZ, operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, touched down at Gusau International Airport at exactly 4:30pm on Sunday March 22.
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Additionally, the aircraft performed a one-off test to assess the airport’s capability for VIP movements scheduled next week.
The test flight complied fully with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations Part 12.1.4.1(c).
Before the Gusau Airport first flight, the state government requested permission from the NCAA, and the Authority granted a one-off No Technical Objection for the aircraft to land in Gusau.
The flight operated under Visual Flight Rules, strictly from sunrise to sunset.
Elation
For Governor Lawal, it was a dream come true.
“Today will remain a historic day in the history of Zamfara State as Governor Lawal witnessed the landing of the maiden flight at Gusau International Airport. The aircraft with registration 5N-FGZ performed a one-off test to assess the airport’s capability for VIP movements scheduled next week.”
Furthermore, the governor’s spokesperson Sulaiman Bala Idris noted that the commencement of flight operations in Gusau would speed-up economic development.
“The historic test flight has significantly boosted Governor Lawal’s administration’s reputation especially since Zamfara has lacked an airport since its creation over 30 years ago.”
Lawal previously highlighted the connectivity crisis facing investors travelling to Zamfara, noting that the journey from Abuja can take up to seven hours by road often discouraging potential business opportunities entirely.
Economy
Governor Lawal confirmed the airport will facilitate VIP and commercial movements, enhance connectivity, and promote economic development across Zamfara.
The milestone also positions Gusau International Airport as a potential hub for future domestic flights signaling new opportunities for business, tourism, and government operations in the region.
With the airport now approaching full operation, officials believe it could transform access to Zamfara and open up new economic prospects for the state’s 5.8 million residents.
The Gusau Airport first flight Zamfara milestone arrives as Nigeria’s aviation sector expands rapidly with new AOCs issued to Binani Air and Enugu Air within the same month.
Zamfara’s aviation debut places the state squarely within Nigeria’s fastest-growing regional connectivity push.
