Ethiopian airlifts 21,000 African pilgrims to 2013 Hajj

African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines has begun airlifting African pilgrims to this year Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

According to the airline, it is transporting 21,000 pilgrims in Africa to Hajj based on agreements it has signed with various governments on the continent.

“This year alone we have signed agreements with various African governments to transport 21,000 pilgrims,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.

The pilgrimage to Mecca is a religious duty, which must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim at least once in his or her lifetime.

Meanwhile Ethiopian Airlines last week announced it has started airlifting about 8,000 Ethiopian Hajj pilgrims.

By Ekow Quandzie