Uganda Airlines on Saturday launched direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in India.
Authorities at the country’s national carrier said the inaugural flight was the first non-stop air service in more than 50 years.
“The direct service will last approximately five and a half hours in each direction, bringing unmatched convenience to people travelling between the two points for business, family or tourism,” the Airline said in a statement.
Works and transport minister Gen Katumba Wamala said the latest development would improve the relations between the two nations.
“We are indeed happy that Uganda Airlines is re-establishing this air bridge, which will shorten the journey times between our friendly nations, strengthen bilateral trade and deepen cultural interaction between our people,” said Wamala.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Jenifer Bamuturaki said they will operate three flights a week.
“We are excited to introduce this, the latest addition to our network, which affirms Uganda Airline’s commitment to expand travel options for our passengers,” she said.
“Besides convenience, we hope this route will add energy to the existing business and commercial relations between India and Uganda that date back more than a century,” she added.
Uganda Airlines currently operates flights to Dubai, Johannesburg, Bujumbura, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Kinshasa and Mogadishu.
The airline is set to launch flights to Nigeria later this month with other planned flights to China and the United Kingdom.
Government statistics indicate that Uganda hosts about 35,000 Indians. According to the finance ministry, Uganda exported goods to India worth $56.98 million in 2020.
