Uganda Airlines is increasing its competitiveness against Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir by launching new flights to Abuja, Nigeria; Lusaka, Zambia; and Harare, Zimbabwe. This expansion is part of the airline’s strategy to increase revenue, improve fleet utilization, and position itself for future growth.

The Abuja service, commencing on September 12, will operate twice weekly, providing valuable connectivity to Nigeria’s capital. Subsequently, services to Lusaka and Harare will be introduced two weeks later. These routes will operate four times weekly in a triangular pattern: Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare and Entebbe-Harare-Lusaka, ultimately returning to Entebbe.

The recent additions to Uganda Airlines’ flight schedule bring the total number of destinations served to 16. These destinations include Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzibar.

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki announced on July 17 the expansion of the airline’s network with new services to several African destinations. These additions enhance Uganda’s connectivity within the continent and provide more options and convenience for customers.

The new services represent the second phase of the airline’s network development plan and align with its mission to offer affordable air travel to Ugandans for both business and leisure purposes. They also pave the way for the final phase of expansion, which will involve extending the airline’s reach to destinations in Europe and Asia.

The recent expansion of Uganda Airlines intensifies competition against Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airlines, which have historically dominated these routes through their hubs in Nairobi, Kigali, and Addis Ababa.

Kenya Airways operates four weekly flights to Abuja, while RwandAir combines its Abuja flights with those to Accra, Ghana. Ethiopian Airlines has long held a monopoly in connecting East, North, and West African markets.

Uganda Airlines’ expansion into these new markets is anticipated to augment its passenger volume, contributing to the planning of flights to destinations such as London and Guangzhou.

“The commencement of these routes signifies the successful culmination of our meticulously crafted three-year strategic plan, thereby paving the way for the subsequent phase of the Airline’s comprehensive 10-year rolling plan. This strategic approach underscores the fact that our expansion is not merely a speculative venture, but rather a well-conceived and meticulously planned progression,” stated Bamuturaki.

“Our aspiration is to bridge the geographical gaps and establish connectivity between the East and the West, North, and South of Africa. This vision serves as the guiding principle for our route expansion, which is meticulously informed by comprehensive feasibility studies that pinpoint underserved routes.”

Operates 19 flights daily out of EIA

 

Uganda Airlines has expanded its network, now operating 19 daily flights and contributing 20% to the traffic at Entebbe International Airport. This strategic move positions the airline for long-term profitability by increasing revenue, boosting cargo operations, and enhancing service quality.

Uganda Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, highlighted the importance of the new routes, emphasizing their significance in the airline's ongoing commitment to intra-African travel.

He underscored the significance of the new routes, emphasizing their importance in the airline’s unwavering commitment to intra-African travel.

He noted that the establishment of an air bridge connecting West and Southern Africa will provide enhanced convenience to travelers across the continent, offering direct flights and seamless connectivity, thereby facilitating diverse opportunities in business, trade, tourism, and social spheres.

“We are open to bookings, and intending travelers can book through their travel agents, our ticketing offices, or online via the Uganda Airlines app and website,” Olawuyi said.

The commencement of the new routes coincides with Uganda Airlines’ celebration of its five-year anniversary. Mr. Olawuyi stated that the airline has consistently achieved an average of 40% annual revenue growth and anticipates further expansion with the introduction of these new routes, catering to both passenger and cargo clients.

The carrier reported a substantial 62% increase in revenue for the fiscal year ending in June 2023, amounting to $60 million, a significant rise from the $36 million recorded in the previous fiscal year of 2022.