40 Years Later, Uganda Airlines Flies 514 Pilgrims to Mecca

Summary:

• On June 5, 2024, Uganda Airlines began flying 514 Muslim pilgrims to Mecca for Hajj, marking the second time it has offered this service in 40 years. The airline will conduct flights over two days, with return flights from Medina to Entebbe scheduled for June 24-25. Hajj is a key Islamic pilgrimage required of all able Muslims once in their lifetime.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, alongside Shahadah (Oath to Allah & Muhammad PBUH), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and Sawm (Ramadan fasting).

For the first time in 40 years, Uganda Airlines has resumed transporting pilgrims to Mecca. On Wednesday, the national carrier began flying 514 Muslim pilgrims for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

According to a statement from the airline’s media team, flights will take place over two days, June 5th and 6th. “This year, Uganda Airlines will transport 514 Muslim pilgrims from across the country aboard the Airbus A330-800neo. Return flights from Medina to Entebbe are scheduled for June 24th – 25th, 2024,” the statement read.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This significant religious journey gathers millions of Muslims in Mecca and Medina for holy rituals and spiritual fulfillment.

This marks the second time Uganda Airlines has facilitated this pilgrimage since the service was halted 40 years ago. The aircraft is chartered privately by groups of Muslims, with flights typically departing at 8:45 am for a journey lasting approximately three hours.

About Uganda Airlines:
Uganda Airlines, the country’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier, was established in 2019. It provides scheduled air transportation services in East Africa and nearby international markets.