The flag carrier of Uganda, Uganda Airlines, revealed its plans for a substantial network expansion, introducing new flights to three important African cities: Abuja,the capital city of Nigeria, Zambia’s capital Lusaka, and Harare – the capital of Zimbabwe.
A relatively young carrier, Uganda Airline is a revival of the older Uganda Airlines which operated from 1977 until 2001. The current reincarnation of the air carrier began flying in August 2019, and new major routes signify an important advancement in the airline’s ambitious growth plan and is intended to strengthen its role as a prominent connector throughout the continent.
New air services will commence on September 12, 2024, providing flights to Abuja, Nigeria with a twice-weekly service, delivering a valuable link to a region that was previously lacking in air connectivity. This strategic expansion complements the current Lagos route, catering to a broader Nigerian clientele.
On September 25, 2024, Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare, Zimbabwe, are slated to be included in Uganda Airlines’ flight schedule starting September 25th. The flights will follow a distinct triangular route, providing a total of four flights every week. Travelers will have the option to travel from Entebbe (Uganda) to either Lusaka or Harare, with a connecting flight to the other city before heading back to Entebbe. This creative strategy enhances operational efficiency and meets the demand for traffic in both directions.
The carrier is also strategically focusing on underserved routes in addition to expanding the number of its destinations. For instance, the Abuja route is designed to connect East and West Africa, providing a more cost-effective option compared to the current expensive choices. By prioritizing overlooked markets, Uganda Airlines aims to establish itself as a major player and a leader in providing affordable and convenient air travel throughout the continent.
Uganda Airlines seeks to utilize its new routes as feeder services for long-haul destinations such as London, Mumbai, and Dubai by establishing a strong regional network. This strategy not only enhances passenger experience through seamless connections but also improves fleet efficiency and increases profitability.
As of March 2021, Uganda Airlines has established an interline agreement with Emirates Airlines. In August 2021, reports indicated that the airline had also entered into interline agreements with Qatar Airways, Hahn Air, and APG Airlines of France. During that period, Uganda Airlines was in discussions for interline agreements with Air Tanzania and Precision Air. By July 2024, negotiations were ongoing for an interline agreement with South African Airways.
