Uganda Airlines has announced the addition of three new routes: Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Lusaka (Zambia), enhancing its regional connectivity and trade links. These new destinations increase the airline’s network to 16 routes, with flights now available for booking.
Starting September 12 and 25, 2024, the airline will commence services to these new locations. CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki revealed that flights to Abuja will begin on September 12, 2024, operating every Sunday and Thursday with the A330-800 aircraft. This service extends the existing Lagos flights, which run on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
Flights to Lusaka and Harare will start on September 25, 2024, operating four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using the CRJ-900 aircraft, expanding Uganda Airlines’ coverage in Southern Africa.
Bamuturaki expects the airline to break even on these new routes within 18 months, with cargo as a key revenue driver. She highlighted that this expansion aligns with the airline’s fifth anniversary and the successful conclusion of its three-year strategic plan. The new routes aim to enhance regional market efficiency and improve fleet utilization.
Additionally, Uganda Airlines has increased its flight frequency to Nairobi and Juba, now operating 19 daily flights from Entebbe International Airport, which accounts for 20% of the airport’s traffic. This network expansion aims to bridge geographical gaps, connecting East to West, and North to South Africa, positioning the airline as a strong regional player.
The new routes mark the second phase of Uganda Airlines’ network development, supporting their mission to offer affordable air travel for both business and leisure travelers. This phase sets the stage for future expansion into Europe and Asia.
Including the new services to Abuja, Harare, and Lusaka, Uganda Airlines’ network now covers 16 destinations, including Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzibar.
Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi emphasized that the new routes enhance intra-African travel, offering direct flights and seamless connectivity. He pointed out that Lusaka, the commercial and business hub of Zambia, is served by four main international airports and currently supports a significant amount of intra-Africa travel.
With the opening of a new international terminal in August 2021, Lusaka aims to double its passenger capacity from two million to four million annually.
Bookings for these new routes are now open and can be made through travel agents, Uganda Airlines ticketing offices, or online via the Uganda Airlines app and website.
