Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier on September 12 launched scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The inaugural flight landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday and was welcomed by a water cannon salute.
The Crane was received by officials from the Nigerian government led by Dr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director Air Transport, according to a statement from Uganda Airlines.
Other officials at the airport were Amb. Nelson Ocheger, High Commissioner of Uganda to Nigeria, and the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
The Ugandan delegation was led by Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Transport.
“The commencement of direct flights is a momentous milestone in the relations between Uganda and Nigeria, as it will promote economic, commercial, political and social interactions between the Governments and Peoples of our two countries,” the airlines said.
“As part of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, Uganda Airlines and Uganda High Commission convened the 4th Nigeria-Uganda Trade & Business Forum on Friday 13th September 2024,” the airlines explained.
The event brought together stakeholders from Uganda and Nigeria to discuss opportunities that exist in both countries.
Amb. Ocheger congratulated Uganda Airlines on reaching the milestone of launching the Abuja route, which becomes the Airline’s 16th destination.
He said the Abuja route, together with Lagos, are a bridge between Uganda and Nigeria. It is expected to facilitate trade, tourism and investment, which is at the core of the Mission’s mandate.
Byamukama said the direct flight from Entebbe to Abuja and Lagos will significantly reduce the cost of doing business between Uganda and Nigeria by significantly reducing the time of travel, Uganda Airlines said.
“Uganda Airlines will be flying to Abuja twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays).
The launch of Abuja flights brings the total number of destinations by Uganda Airlines to 16, including Entebbe – Lagos which was launched in October 2023.”
The national carrier said: “Uganda is committed to improving intra-Africa trade and travel. Improving connectivity through air travel, roads, railway and water transport across the continent is a sure way of ensuring sustainable growth and development for Africa,” the statement noted.
