Uganda Airlines is expanding its reach by launching direct flights to Lagos, Nigeria.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for October 19th, with flights operating every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki, stated that the move aims to increase efficiency and expedite the transit of goods and people between the two nations.
Ms. Bamuturaki also mentioned that the first flight will depart from Entebbe at 4 p.m., opening Uganda to an economy of about $504 billion.
It's a Uganda-Nigeria affair as #UgandaAirlines unveils the Lagos #Nigeria route. Direct flights starting 19th October 2023 #NoWahala #FlyUgandaAirlines pic.twitter.com/I3ysQqetPi
— Uganda Airlines (@UG_Airlines) August 25, 2023
Uganda Airlines began offering commercial flights in August 2019 after nearly 20 years of inactivity.
The airline has successfully secured landing rights in 12 destinations, but Ms. Bamuturaki noted that they will need more aircraft to fulfil their mandate of connecting Uganda to the rest of the world.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi, said that Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa with an estimated population of 220 million people.
Currently, no one serves a direct route between Entebbe and Lagos, but Uganda Airlines intends to fly this route three times a week using a 250-seater aircraft.
Cargo services are also expected to increase on the new direct route, with cargo costing $2 per kg compared to the previous $18.
The launch comes just a week after the national carrier launched a direct flight from Entebbe to Mumbai, India starting October 7th.