Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a landmark move that underscores growing cooperation between Egypt and Sierra Leone, Egypt’s national airline, EGYPTAIR, has commenced its first-ever direct charter flights to facilitate the transportation of Sierra Leonean pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj season.
The development follows the signing of a significant aviation agreement between EGYPTAIR and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), allowing the airline to operate direct flights from Freetown-Lungi International Airport to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina.
The announcement was made by Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company.
The partnership arrives as EGYPTAIR celebrates its 93rd anniversary this year. Established in 1932, the airline holds the distinction of being the first in Africa and the Middle East and the seventh globally.
“This cooperation represents the strength of the friendship between Egypt and Sierra Leone,” said Captain Adel. “It enhances air travel options while supporting our shared goal of deeper collaboration across Africa, particularly in civil aviation.”
The agreement is one of several outcomes from the recent state visit of Sierra Leonean President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to Egypt in March 2025. During the visit, key discussions were held to strengthen bilateral ties and explore expanded economic and infrastructure partnerships.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the SLCAA, played a central role in advancing aviation dialogue during the visit. Alongside senior Egyptian aviation officials, including Captain Sameh El Hefny, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and EgyptAir’s Head of Commercial, Amr Adawy, she helped lay the groundwork for this milestone collaboration.
Notably, discussions are also ongoing for the introduction of a regular commercial route between Freetown and Cairo.
“We are making significant progress in negotiations with EgyptAir to establish direct flights between our capitals,” Barrie confirmed. “This will unlock trade, tourism, and business opportunities for Sierra Leone.”
The broader partnership includes plans for joint training programs, technical cooperation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 Hajj season are in full swing. According to Alhaji Murtada Sesay, Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, approximately 2,000 pilgrims from Sierra Leone—600 from within the country and 1,400 from the diaspora—are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage, which takes place from June 4 to June 9.
A group of 100 pilgrims benefiting from the Saudi Royal Hajj Scholarship will depart on May 30. The first batch of diaspora pilgrims landed in Medina on May 19, with additional flights scheduled through the end of May. EGYPTAIR is expected to fly the first 300 Sierra Leonean pilgrims from Freetown on May 28, followed by another 300 on May 29.
Health screenings for pilgrims are nearly complete, with a specialized medical team—including three doctors, three nurses, and one pharmacist—set to accompany the delegation to provide care throughout the journey.
EGYPTAIR’s involvement in this year’s Hajj also includes operations for pilgrims from Mali and Palestine, solidifying the airline’s prominent role across both African and Arab regions.
The aviation partnership between Egypt and Sierra Leone is being hailed as a strategic turning point. With continued leadership from President Bio and proactive efforts by aviation authorities, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a growing hub in regional air transport and international cooperation.
As these direct Hajj flights take off, they symbolize more than convenience—they represent a deepening relationship and a shared vision for progress between two nations.
