Uganda Airlines Resumes Historic Hajj Flights After 40-Year Hiatus

On this day in 2023, Uganda Airlines achieved a landmark moment by operating direct flights to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, an operation that had been absent for 40 years.

The national carrier’s Airbus A330-800neo departed Entebbe International Airport carrying 200 Ugandan Muslim pilgrims to Jeddah for the annual journey to Mecca. This marked the revival of a service last offered by the original Uganda Airlines in the late 1970s.

For the new Uganda Airlines, which recommenced operations in 2019, this flight demonstrated its growing capabilities on the international aviation scene. The successful operation was a significant step for the airline as it seeks to expand its network.

Previously, Ugandan pilgrims faced lengthy and uncertain journeys, often requiring multiple layovers in cities like Addis Ababa, Cairo, or Dubai. The new direct route drastically cut travel time to around three and a half hours, eliminating potential delays and disruptions associated with connecting flights.

The importance of this direct service was amplified earlier in 2023 when conflict in Sudan stranded some Ugandan pilgrims, underscoring the risks of relying on transit routes. Religious and government officials lauded the return of the direct flights, noting the increased comfort for pilgrims, especially the elderly, and smoother coordination.

Beyond facilitating the Hajj, the direct route is seen as a strategic move to potentially open commercial flights to Jeddah, fostering religious tourism, trade, and labor mobility between Uganda and Saudi Arabia.

Source: Nile Post