Uganda Airlines Announces Three New Routes Starting September 2024

Uganda Airlines has announced the addition of three new routes to its aviation network, commencing in September 2024. The new destinations are Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare.

During the launch event on July 17 in Kampala, CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki described the expansion as “a well-thought-out progression.”

“The Airline is excited to announce yet another milestone; the triple launch of the three routes this summer,” Bamuturaki noted. “Launching these routes marks the successful conclusion of our 3-year strategic plan, paving the way for the next phase of our 10-year rolling plan. This strategic approach ensures that our expansion is not just a leap of faith but a well-thought-out progression.”

These new routes join Uganda Airlines’ existing network, which includes Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, Johannesburg, Dubai, Zanzibar, Lagos, Kinshasa, Mumbai, Mogadishu, Juba, and Kilimanjaro.

Why Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare?

Bamuturaki explained that entering these markets aims to build an efficient and optimized regional market, which will support and finance a more profitable long-haul market. The expansion will increase aircraft fleet utilization, create a robust regional network, and support Uganda Airlines’ long-haul market ambitions, particularly targeting London.

“We aspire to bridge the geographical gaps and connect the East to the West, North and South of Africa. This vision guides our route expansion, which is carefully guided by feasibility studies pointing us to underserved routes,” she said.

The CEO highlighted the airline’s commitment to connectivity, as evidenced by the recent increase in flight frequency to 19 flights a day, contributing to 20% of the traffic at Entebbe Airport. This expansion is positioning the airline for long-term profitability.

Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi added that the new routes aim to create strong regional connectivity and tap into the underserved aviation market.

The announcement comes as Uganda Airlines celebrates its fifth anniversary since resuming operations.