Entebbe faces Hijja travel rush as pilgrims depart

ENTEBBE — Every year, the Hijja pilgrimage transforms Entebbe International Airport into something more than a transport hub.

Families gather in large numbers outside departure terminals. Pilgrims dressed in white prayer garments move through check-in lines. Emotional farewells happen in parking areas as relatives send loved ones off on one of Islam’s most sacred journeys.

This year’s pilgrimage season officially began on May 8 and is expected to continue until May 20, according to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye. 

The annual movement of pilgrims to Mecca represents one of the busiest seasonal travel periods for Entebbe International Airport, bringing unusually high passenger volumes and logistical pressure.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Bamwesigye urged travellers to prepare for congestion and longer processing times during the pilgrimage window.

“We strongly advise all departing passengers travelling during this period to plan ahead and allow additional time for check-in and other airport processes to avoid inconvenience or the risk of missing their flights,” he said. 

Hijja, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.

For many Ugandan pilgrims, the journey represents years of saving and preparation.

This year, pilgrims will travel aboard several airlines, including Fly NAS, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai. The first group departed on May 8 aboard Fly NAS. 

Authorities are also preparing for additional chartered flights scheduled for May 18 and May 20, carrying approximately 385 and 250 passengers, respectively. Most pilgrims are expected to begin returning between May 31 and June 10. 

The scale of movement creates operational challenges for airport management.

Unlike routine commercial travel, Hijja operations often involve large groups arriving together with relatives and accompanying persons, leading to congestion both inside and outside terminal areas.

To manage traffic flow, UCAA says additional accompanying vehicles may be redirected where necessary. Airport staff have also been instructed to use alternative parking near the control tower to create more space for passengers and visitors. 

For ordinary travellers not participating in Hijja, the pilgrimage period could mean heavier traffic around the airport and longer waiting times during peak departure days.

The annual pilgrimage season also highlights the growing role of Entebbe as a regional international travel hub.

As Uganda’s Muslim population expands and international air connectivity improves, Hijja travel volumes have steadily increased over the years, requiring closer coordination between airlines, immigration authorities, airport management and religious organisers.

Officials say preparations are aimed at ensuring pilgrims move through the airport safely and with dignity during what is often a deeply emotional and spiritually significant journey.

“We wish all pilgrims a safe and comfortable journey through Entebbe International Airport and a truly blessed pilgrimage,” Bamwesigye said.