Entebbe, (UG):- More Muslim pilgrims are expected to travel to Mecca through Entebbe International Airport this year as compared to last year, reveals the Civil Aviation Authority( CAA).
The pilgrimage season for this year will run from 1 to 7 June 2024 and the Airport Authority is anticipating a considerable increase in traffic at the facility according to a statement issued to the public.
“Several pilgrims are scheduled to travel to Mecca through Entebbe International Airport from 1 to 7 June 2024. Due to the anticipated traffic build-up, travelling passengers are advised to plan for more time to avoid missing their flights,” reads the public notice seen by this publication.
“While the Airport facilitated a total of 1300 pilgrims last year, this year, over 1600 pilgrims are expected to travel in the course of the week,” CAA adds.
According to CAA’s Public Affairs Manager, Mr Vianne Luggya Mpungu, this year’s pilgrims are anticipated to hit 1600 compared to the 1300 the facility handled in 2023.
To ensure a seamless traveller experience, Luggya says the Airport has issued guidelines to the intending pilgrims to adhere to as a way of ensuring a seamless travel experience.
“The travellers have been advised to plan their trips in time, and arrive at the Airport ahead of time to ensure they don’t miss their flights and any other inconsistencies,” he says.
Mr Luggya has also assured passengers that the Airport is well prepared to welcome the increased number, adding that specific measures have been put in place to cater for the traffic in the busy period to facilitate a user-friendly experience.
A special place has been designated in the airport car parking for pilgrims to converge from where they will receive a briefing from the management ahead of their respective flights.
Traffic at the Airport has been increasing steadily over the last two years, indicating a steady post-coronavirus recovery trend.
For the last six months, the airport has averaged 6000 daily passengers.
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