Historic First Flight Lands at Gusau International Airport, Boosts Zamfara’s Aviation Hopes

Zamfara State has recorded a major milestone in its aviation journey as Governor Dauda Lawal witnessed the successful landing of the maiden test flight at the newly constructed Gusau International Airport.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the test flight touched down at exactly 4:30 p.m., marking a historic moment for the state, which has operated without an airport for over three decades.

The aircraft used for the exercise, a Bombardier Challenger 605 with registration number 5N-FGZ, was operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The flight was conducted as a one-off test to evaluate the airport’s readiness for upcoming VIP movements scheduled for next week.

The statement noted that the test was carried out in compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.1.4.1(c).

Prior to the operation, the Zamfara State Government sought and obtained approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which granted a one-off “No Technical Objection” (NTO) for the aircraft to land in Gusau.

It was further explained that the flight operated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), restricting operations strictly to daylight hours—from sunrise to sunset.

Governor Lawal described the development as a landmark achievement, expressing satisfaction that the long-standing absence of an airport in Zamfara is now being addressed. He noted that the successful test flight demonstrates the airport’s growing capacity to handle official and high-level aviation activities.

The successful landing is expected to significantly enhance the state’s profile, opening up opportunities for improved connectivity, economic growth, and easier access for investors and government officials.

The Gusau International Airport project is seen as a critical infrastructure development that could reshape Zamfara’s socio-economic landscape in the coming years.