By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a landmark development for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, the Egypt national carrier, EGYPTAIR, on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, safely landed at the Freetown-Lungi International Airport and departed the same day with the first batch of Sierra Leonean pilgrims heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj season.

The historic flight marks the first-ever Hajj charter operation from Sierra Leone by EGYPTAIR and represents a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history. The development is attributed to the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, who both played pivotal roles in fostering this strategic aviation partnership.

The charter flight is the result of bilateral engagements held during President Bio’s State Visit to Cairo, Egypt, on 26th March 2025, during which important discussions were held between Sierra Leonean officials and Egyptian aviation authorities. This was followed by a formal agreement signed on 17th March 2025 between the Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company and SLCAA’s Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, to facilitate the airline's first-ever Hajj operation from Sierra Leone.

Speaking on the achievement, Madam Barrie remarked:

“EGYPTAIR’s successful landing and Hajj charter flight from Freetown-Lungi International Airport marks a historic milestone for our nation. This reflects President Bio’s visionary agenda and our firm commitment to deepening international aviation cooperation across Africa and beyond.”

She added: “Alhamdulillah for a successful Hajj operation at FNA! A big congratulations and thank you to all who made this possible the Hajj Committee, FIA, SHP, WSL, and all Airport staff. This is a proud day for Sierra Leone!”

The collaboration between EGYPTAIR and SLCAA is expected to set a new standard in Sierra Leone’s aviation services and paves the way for greater international partnerships in the years to come. It also significantly enhances the country’s capability to facilitate religious pilgrimages in a more dignified, efficient, and nationally coordinated manner.

This accomplishment not only fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the Muslim community in Sierra Leone but also strengthens Sierra Leone's position on the continental aviation map, reinforcing the SLCAA’s role as a proactive, visionary regulator under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership.

The successful flight marks a turning point in Sierra Leone’s aviation history and reflects a broader commitment by the government to improve international connectivity, promote religious freedom, and boost national pride. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-and-egyptair-break-new-ground-with-inaugural-hajj-charter-service/