Uganda Airlines expands its reach! The national carrier has launched three new routes: Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Lusaka (Zambia). This milestone marks a significant boost to regional connectivity and trade. Flights are now available for booking
Uganda Airlines has launched three new destinations, increasing its network to 16 routes. The airline will begin services to Harare, Abuja, and Lusaka, starting September 12 and 25, 2024.
CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki announced that Abuja will launch on September 12, 2024, with flights operated every Sunday and Thursday by the airline’s flagship A330-800 aircraft, extending their regular flights to Lagos. Flights to Lusaka and Harare will launch on September 25, 2024, operating four times a week using the CRJ-900 aircraft, expanding their coverage of Southern Africa.
The airline projects breaking even on the new routes within 18 months, driven by cargo revenue. This expansion marks the airline’s fifth anniversary and the successful conclusion of its three-year strategic plan, aimed at building an efficient regional market and improving fleet utilization.
Uganda Airlines has also increased frequencies to Nairobi and Juba, operating 19 daily flights from Entebbe International Airport, contributing 20% of the airport’s traffic. The airline’s network expansion aims to bridge geographical gaps, connecting East to West, North to South Africa, with a vision to become a robust regional player.
The new services mark the second phase of network development, aimed at bringing affordable air travel to Ugandans for business and leisure, and lay the groundwork for expansion to Europe and Asia.
The new routes, combined with existing services, expand Uganda Airlines’ coverage to 16 destinations. Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi highlighted the significance of Lusaka, Zambia’s commercial and business hub, which controls 75% of the country’s air traffic.
Uganda Airlines is now open for bookings, with travelers able to book through various channels. The launch of these new routes marks a milestone in Uganda Airlines’ contribution to intra-African travel, creating an air bridge to West Africa and Southern Africa, and enabling opportunities in business, trade, tourism, and socio-cultural linkages.