Zamfara State’s First Airport Records Maiden Test Flight
Gusau, Zamfara State – The newly constructed Gusau International Airport recorded its first aircraft landing on Sunday, a significant operational milestone for the state more than 30 years after its creation. A Bombardier Challenger 605, registration 5N-FGZ, touched down at exactly 4:30 p.m. in a one-off test flight approved by Nigeria’s aviation regulator.
Governor Dauda Lawal personally witnessed the landing, which state officials described as a historic development for Zamfara. The test flight was conducted to evaluate the airport’s readiness for anticipated Very Important Person (VIP) operations.
According to a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the flight was executed under a specific “No Technical Objection” (NTO) clearance granted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This approval was sought and obtained by the Zamfara State Government prior to the operation. The flight adhered to Visual Flight Rules (VFR), restricting activities to daylight hours in line with standard safety protocols.
The successful test is a prerequisite for the commencement of regular VIP services in the coming days. For a state that has lacked scheduled air service since its 1996 creation, the operational validation of the Gusau International Airport marks a pivotal infrastructure advancement.
Once fully operational for VIP and commercial flights, the airport is projected to enhance air connectivity to Zamfara. This development aims to facilitate travel for government officials, improve access for investors, and is expected to stimulate broader economic opportunities in the northwestern region.
The event positions Gusau as a new point on Nigeria’s aviation map, addressing a longstanding gap in the nation’s airport network and potentially increasing the state’s attractiveness for business and development initiatives.
