By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s aviation authorities have launched an expansive operation to facilitate travel for thousands of Muslim pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with Cairo International Airport serving as a major hub.
At the heart of the preparations is a round-the-clock operations room at Cairo Airport, aimed at monitoring flight schedules and responding to any emergencies that may arise, officials said.
“We have designated a 24-hour operations centre to oversee Hajj flights and ensure a smooth journey for the pilgrims,” said Eng. Ayman Fawzy Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation. “Teams are deployed across the airport to assist pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with special needs, with additional wheelchairs, self-service carts and waiting chairs made available.”
Additional check-in counters have also been set up to ease congestion, particularly in the seasonal terminal dedicated to Hajj travel.
Early planning, high priority
Magdy Ishaq, Chairman of the Cairo Airport Company, said preparations for the pilgrimage season began well in advance. “We understand the significance of Hajj and the need for everything to run perfectly,” he said.
He added that the airport has taken measures to ensure constant support for pilgrims, including the deployment of emergency medical teams, ambulances, and health inspection units in both the seasonal terminal and Terminal 2.
The Cairo International Airport has assigned its three terminals for different Hajj flights.
The seasonal terminal will handle pilgrims flying with EgyptAir. Terminal 2 will serve those traveling with Saudia. Terminal 1 will accommodate private airlines.
Facilities near the terminals have also been equipped for those seeing off their loved ones, with seating areas, lighting, cafeterias, prayer spaces, and medical services.
EgyptAir expands Hajj operations to Sierra Leone
In a significant regional development, Egypt’s flag carrier EgyptAir will, for the first time, operate direct Hajj flights from Sierra Leone.
Pilot Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, announced that the airline has signed a new agreement with Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority to transport pilgrims from Freetown’s Lungi Airport directly to Jeddah and Medina.
“This co-operation reflects the mutual trust and strong relations between the two countries,” Adel said, noting that the agreement follows a state visit by the President of Sierra Leone to Egypt in March.
He added that EgyptAir is also exploring the possibility of launching a regular flight route between Cairo and Freetown, in addition to other aviation initiatives aimed at strengthening air connectivity across Africa.
“This milestone coincides with EgyptAir’s 93rd anniversary,” Adel said. “Throughout our history, we have been committed to providing safe and reliable air travel, particularly across the African continent.”
In addition to Sierra Leone, EgyptAir will also transport pilgrims from Mali and Palestine this year, reinforcing its leadership role in regional air travel.
