Uganda Airlines has officially commenced direct flights between Entebbe, Uganda, and Abuja, Nigeria, significantly enhancing connectivity between East and West Africa. The new route, inaugurated recently at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is expected to reduce travel time, lower costs, and promote trade, tourism, and economic growth between the two nations.
The airline’s direct service offers twice-weekly flights, cutting the travel time between Entebbe and Abuja from up to 14 hours on indirect routes to just 3 hours and 30 minutes. This route complements Uganda Airlines’ existing service to Lagos, which was launched in 2023, and provides travellers with an efficient link between Uganda and Nigeria.
At the launch event, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, emphasized the positive impact of the new service. “This flight will reduce the time spent moving between Abuja and Entebbe and lower transportation costs. It will also facilitate the movement of cargo, enhancing trade between both countries. As trade grows, businesses will expand, employ more people, and generate more income,” Ocheger said.
He added that the route will help foster stronger ties in sectors such as tourism and education, with Uganda attracting Nigerian students and Nigeria serving as a key market for Ugandan products. Ocheger also expressed confidence in the robust systems of both nations to combat potential risks, such as human and drug trafficking.
The direct flights are expected to be a game-changer for business, leisure, and cargo movement, offering seamless connectivity between Nigeria and Uganda. According to Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management in Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation, the route will make travel and freight logistics more affordable and less cumbersome, providing a major boost to trade between East and West Africa.
As part of the service launch, Uganda Airlines has introduced competitive fares. Economy class tickets are priced at $600, while business class tickets are available for $1,665. These introductory rates are expected to attract more travellers in the coming months.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Transport, Honourable Fred Byamukana, praised the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Nigeria, describing the direct flights as a “bridge” to further strengthen their ties. He also highlighted the potential for economic growth, noting that this development aligns with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, aimed at boosting intra-African connectivity.
The direct flight is a major milestone in aviation connectivity between the two regions, providing an easier and more cost-effective travel option for both business and leisure travellers. By shortening travel times and improving efficiency, Uganda Airlines’ new route is set to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Uganda.
