UN Humanitarian Air Service: a lifeline in crisis
The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) delivers aid, saves lives, and supports global communities in crisis through vital air transport
When people see a UNHAS plane landing, they know help has arrived. That’s what we do: give help and give hope.
The 2024 Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders report highlights the invaluable work of the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in getting urgent help to hard-to-reach communities. Managed by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UNHAS is a cornerstone of global humanitarian response.
Since its establishment in 2003, the service has provided crucial air transport to regions cut off by conflict, disasters, or poor infrastructure. Its mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Zero Hunger.
Delivering aid to the hardest-to-reach
UNHAS plays a vital role in delivering life-saving supplies and transporting humanitarian workers to some of the world’s most inaccessible areas. In 2023 alone, UNHAS airlifted 4,800 metric tonnes of cargo and transported over 388,000 humanitarian and development workers across 21 countries.
Recent missions by the UNHAS included responding to natural disasters like Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique, supporting famine relief during drought in Somalia, and providing aid amidst the ongoing crisis in Yemen. For many communities, UNHAS is the only lifeline when other transportation methods are impossible.
The success of UNHAS relies on collaboration with governments, donors, and partner organisations. By coordinating work with more than 600 organisations, UNHAS ensures that resources reach those in need, even in the most complex humanitarian emergencies.
According to WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, "When people see a UNHAS plane landing, they know help has arrived. That’s what we do: give help and give hope."
Adapting to challenges
Over its 20-year history, UNHAS has continually evolved to address emerging challenges. From responding to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to maintaining critical supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has proven its adaptability and resilience.
For millions worldwide, UNHAS embodies the transformative power of aviation, proving that the sky is not the limit when it comes to helping those in need.
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