In a significant move to strengthen ties between East and West Africa, Uganda Airlines has commenced direct flights between Entebbe and Abuja, slashing travel time and costs between the two nations.
The twice-weekly service, which began on September 12, takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, a stark contrast to the previous indirect routes that could take up to 14 hours.
According to Nelson Ocheger, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, 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.”
The new route complements Uganda Airlines’ existing service to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, launched last year. Ministers from both countries expressed optimism about the future, anticipating that the direct flights will deepen bilateral relations.
“This direct flight means reduced time and increased opportunities for trade and tourism. It will greatly benefit the economies of Uganda and Nigeria and promote stronger ties between the two regions,” said Fred Byamukama, Uganda’s Minister of State for Transport.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, stating that aviation remains the best way for Africa to connect its people and promote inter-Africa business.
The direct flights align with the African Union’s goal of enhancing intra-Africa connectivity through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.