Uganda Airlines will begin service to Lusaka, Harare, and Abuja

Uganda Airlines launched additional routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare on Wednesday in an effort to boost earnings, enhance fleet efficiency, and set itself up for future market expansion.

On September 12, 2024, the twice-weekly Abuja service will begin operations. Two weeks later, Lusaka and Harare will follow.

The last two, which will run in a triangle four times a week, will alternate between Entebbe, Harare, Lusaka, and Entebbe, Harare, Lusaka, and Entebbe.

The airline would fly to 16 destinations as a result of the new services. Additionally, by generating a network effect where the new services feed traffic to other destinations, they are anticipated to boost efficiency.

CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki stated, “Launching these routes marks the conclusion of our three-year strategic plan, paving the way for the next phase of our 10-year rolling plan.”

Abuja, which will give the Lagos service an additional hour of flight time, is anticipated to assist the airline in attracting passengers from the underdeveloped Nigerian capital.

One of the biggest underserved marketplaces on the continent is Nairobi-Abuja. The lack of a direct flight connecting the two locations allows for the potential of reverse flows from Kenya for its service to Nigeria.

Abuja is currently served by Ethiopian and a few North African carriers. Due to Ethiopia’s monopoly and the fact that it is the only route connecting Abuja with East and Southern Africa, the cost of the Abuja-Entebbe route is among the highest on the continent.

Our goal is to unite East and West, North and South Africa by bridging the geographical divide. In defense of the choice to enter what some see as risky commercial areas, Ms. Bamuturaki stated, “This vision guides our route expansion, which is informed by feasibility studies pointing us to underserved routes.”

In order to enhance its services to West Africa, the Middle East, India, and eventually China and the United Kingdom, the airline is considering expanding to Lusaka and Harare.

“The goal of entering these markets is to develop a more profitable and efficient long-haul market; increase aircraft fleet utilization; establish a strong regional network that will serve as a feeder for Uganda Airlines’ long-haul market, particularly in London, Mumbai, Guangzhou, and Dubai; and, above all, support Uganda Airline’s Africa network connectivity,” stated Ms. Bamuturaki.