Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Entebbe and Abuja, the administrative capital of Nigeria. This new route marks the airline’s second destination in Nigeria, following the successful launch of services to Lagos last year.
The inaugural UR 900 flight departed Entebbe International Airport on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 4:00 pm and arrived at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 6:15 pm the same day. The flights will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, using the airline’s flagship Airbus A330-800neo aircraft.
“We are proud to be living up to our promise to take Nigeria to Uganda and bring Uganda to Nigeria,” said Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki. “Abuja is now our 14th point as we embark on our expansion plan.”
The addition of Abuja to Uganda Airlines’ route network is a strategic move to enhance connectivity between the two countries. Abuja is a major economic and political centre in Nigeria, and the new flights will facilitate increased business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Uganda and Nigeria.
“Increasing air connectivity within Africa will help reduce travel times, lower costs, and improve accessibility across the continent,” said Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Transport. “This will facilitate trade, investment, and economic cooperation, benefiting businesses and the overall economy in both Uganda and Nigeria.”
According to international studies, Abuja is one of the most underserved markets in Africa, making Uganda Airlines’ new service a significant development. The flights will provide travellers from Nigeria’s central, northern, and northeastern regions with seamless connections to Uganda Airlines’ extensive network, including destinations like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Mogadishu, Mumbai, and Dubai.
The launch of the Abuja route comes just three months after Uganda Airlines secured a highly coveted route to London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion plans. The direct flights to the UK are expected to increase tourist inflows to Uganda, stimulating local businesses and strengthening the country’s global tourism profile.
Earlier this year, the airline also launched its direct route to Mumbai, India’s financial hub, which it serves three times a week.
“This new service to Abuja is important because it addresses the connectivity gap between the administrative capital of Africa’s most populous nation and East Africa,” the airline said in a statement.
The launch of the Abuja flights is a testament to Uganda Airlines’ commitment to expanding its footprint across the African continent and beyond. By providing efficient and affordable air services, the airline aims to facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and development of Uganda and its regional partners.
