ENTEBBE, Uganda — Hajj Hysteria! Entebbe Airport is bracing for an unprecedented pilgrim surge, with thousands of Muslims preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has issued a dire travel advisory for all passengers flying out of Entebbe International Airport between May 19 and 29, 2025.
The UCAA is sounding the alarm over imminent airport chaos, warning of significant congestion and urging travelers to arrive exceptionally early to avoid missing their flights during this notoriously busy period.
According to the UCAA, the sheer volume of pilgrims, coupled with their accompanying well-wishers, is expected to unleash massive traffic and delays at the airport’s access points. “Passengers scheduled to depart during this period are advised to plan for adequate time to avoid the risk of missing their flights,” the authority stated, emphasizing the urgency.
International travelers are reminded to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure, as check-in counters will slam shut one hour before a flight’s scheduled takeoff.
To combat the impending gridlock and attempt to maintain some semblance of order, the UCAA has rolled out emergency measures. Pilgrims will be herded into a designated zone within the airport’s car park for briefings before being guided through the departure process. Access to the main parking area will be strictly limited to vehicles with official stickers. Friends and family accompanying the pilgrims will be shunted to a separate holding area in a desperate bid to ease congestion around the terminal.
The UCAA is pleading for cooperation from all travelers and visitors, urging them to comply with these temporary arrangements during what promises to be a peak travel nightmare.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide a safe and efficient experience for all airport users,” the statement concluded, as Entebbe braces for the Hajj Hysteria.
