By Mohamed Attia
EgyptAir is pressing ahead with its hajj airlift operations, aiming to transport around 66,500 pilgrims this year via 654 flights – 324 outbound and 330 return.
The national carrier is serving a wide range of travellers, including those on official pilgrimage missions, charitable organisations, private tours, and transit pilgrims from several countries.
Dr Samy Hafny, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, underscored the significance the state places on the pilgrimage season, describing it as a “sacred national duty.” He said all available human and technical resources had been mobilised to ensure pilgrims receive the best possible travel experience.
“We are operating under a comprehensive plan to transport pilgrims smoothly and safely,” Hafny said, highlighting coordination with all relevant Egyptian entities and Saudi authorities at Jeddah and Medina airports.
He noted that Cairo International Airport and other Egyptian hubs had undergone major operational upgrades, including enhanced facilities and expanded ground support teams, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The minister also praised EgyptAir for its central role in executing the Hajj transport plan, calling the annual success of the operation a “collective achievement” made possible by close cooperation between various ministries, including Interior, Waqfs (Religious Endowments), Tourism and Antiquities, Health, Finance, and Social Solidarity.
Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, said preparations for the Hajj season began well in advance in full coordination with Egyptian and Saudi authorities. He described the operation as both a national and humanitarian responsibility, adding that EgyptAir had dedicated its full human, technical, and operational capabilities to facilitate the flights.
Specialised teams have been deployed to Egyptian airports and to Jeddah and Medina to work around the clock, Adel said, ensuring pilgrims receive the highest level of service. He also praised Saudi authorities, particularly the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, for their efforts to streamline procedures and support pilgrims from Egypt and beyond.
