Uganda Airlines debuts direct flight to Abuja

Uganda Airlines has opened direct flights between Entebbe and Abuja, which significantly reduces the travel time and costs between both countries.

The direct flights, which commenced last Friday, provide twice-weekly flights from Entebbe International Airport to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, as against the previous indirect routes that could take up to 14 hours.

The new route complements Uganda Airlines’ existing service to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, which was launched last year.

According to Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nelson Ocheger, this development will strengthen the ties between East and West Africa, facilitating not only the movement of people but also goods and services.

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He noted that the route would ease travel, reduce costs, and boost the volume of trade between the two countries.

“The direct flight will facilitate the movement of cargo and reduce transport costs. This will ultimately increase trade, benefit businesses, and generate more employment opportunities for people in both countries,” Ocheger said.

The high commissioner stated that before the launch of the service, travellers between Uganda and Nigeria often had to connect through other East African countries or make layovers in Lagos, making the journey long and cumbersome.

He said the new route eliminates that inconvenience, streamlining travel for both business and leisure purposes.

Ocheger explained that the launch is expected to have a positive impact on several sectors, including tourism, education and trade.

With Uganda attracting Nigerian students, particularly in science courses, and Nigeria being a key market for Ugandan products, the direct flights will help strengthen these ties.

Uganda Airlines has set introductory fares for the route, with economy tickets priced at $600 and business class tickets at $1,665. These rates are expected to encourage more travellers to take advantage of the new connection.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry, Hassan Ejibunu, stated that aviation remains the best way for Africa to connect her people and promote inter-Africa business.

“This is a memorable day for the government because it is in our interest for African leaders and Africans to connect. This will ease the movement of people and freight cargo, with only 3 hours, and 30 minutes,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of the new route in fostering regional cooperation and noted that the direct flights align with the African Union’s goal of enhancing intra-Africa connectivity through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.