In the challenging terrain of Southern Africa, where natural disasters and conflict converge, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has emerged as an indispensable lifeline. More than a mere transportation service, UNHAS represents a critical artery for delivering aid and hope to vulnerable communities, bypassing the obstacles that impede traditional ground-based assistance.
The region is frequently battered by devastating cyclones, rendering roads impassable and isolating entire populations. In areas like northern Mozambique, ongoing conflict creates security risks that make overland travel perilous or impossible. In these circumstances, UNHAS provides the only secure and efficient means of reaching those in dire need.
Established in 2004 to address the gaps in humanitarian air transport, UNHAS operates globally, serving a multitude of organizations. In 2024, it facilitated the movement of over 385,000 humanitarian workers and 4,500 tons of crucial relief supplies, reaching locations that commercial airlines cannot access.
The impact of UNHAS is profoundly personal. Liliane, a survivor of Cyclone Freddy in Madagascar, vividly recalls the hope sparked by the arrival of UNHAS helicopters. Her experience underscores the service’s ability to deliver not only tangible aid but also a powerful sense of connection and support in the face of overwhelming adversity. In 2023, UNHAS delivered essential supplies to thousands in Madagascar, demonstrating its vital role in disaster relief.
European Union support has been instrumental in sustaining UNHAS operations. A fully EU-funded helicopter deployment in late 2023 enabled the delivery of urgent relief and the transport of hundreds of passengers to previously unreachable locations in Madagascar. This partnership highlights the international community’s commitment to ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of geographical or logistical challenges.
In Mozambique, UNHAS plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of conflict and insecurity. More than 60 humanitarian organizations rely on its services to access affected populations. The Ibo Island Foundation, operating in the volatile Cabo Delgado province, emphasizes the service’s importance in enabling rapid and safe access for aid workers.
The limited road and rail infrastructure in northern Mozambique, coupled with pervasive insecurity, poses significant logistical challenges. UNHAS provides a crucial link between the provincial capital, Pemba, and remote districts, transporting humanitarian personnel and cargo. Since 2020, it has facilitated the movement of thousands of aid workers and tonnes of supplies, and has played a pivotal role in emergency evacuations and medical transport.
The service’s adaptability and responsiveness were evident in its support of the cholera response following Cyclone Freddy. UNHAS flights delivered vital medical supplies and hygiene products to remote areas, demonstrating its ability to quickly mobilize resources in the face of urgent health crises.
Currently, with continued EU support, UNHAS operates a network of scheduled and on-demand flights in Cabo Delgado, ensuring that aid reaches even the most isolated communities. The potential cessation of UNHAS operations would have dire consequences for both aid workers and the communities they serve, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
UNHAS serves as a critical bridge, transcending the barriers of conflict, climate change, and logistical challenges. It is a testament to the power of coordinated international effort in delivering aid and restoring hope in the face of adversity. This airborne lifeline is not simply a means of transport; it is a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope in the heart of Southern Africa.
*Views expressed in this article are writers own and do no necessarily represent the views of this publication.
Deepshikha Singh
Deepshikha Singh is an analytical content writer who enjoys turning complex information into compelling stories. Her passion lies in uncovering insights and sharing them in a way that's both informative and engaging.
