- Uganda Airlines launched direct flights from Abuja on Friday, September 13, 2024
- The airline was developed to enhance connectivity, boost trade and promote tourism between the two countries
- TheRadar compiled the complete list of African countries with direct flights from the international airport in Abuja
In a welcome development for African airspace, Uganda Airlines recently launched direct flights from Abuja to Entebbe, a city in Central Uganda.
The direct flights commenced on Friday, September 13, 2024. They will provide twice-weekly flights from Entebbe International Airport to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. The flights will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, as opposed to the previous indirect routes, which could take up to 14 hours.
Also, the new route complements Uganda Airlines’ existing service at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos.
Honourable Fred Byamukana, the Ugandan Minister of State for Transport, in his statement on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, celebrated the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Uganda.
In his words, “We have been living as brothers and sisters. This bridge we have built is one to maintain our friendship. In terms of business, this helps you to grow economically,.
Why the direct route was commissioned
According to the airline, through Nelson Ocheger, Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, the new route was developed to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, boost trade and tourism between the two countries and provide travellers with an efficient link between West and East Africa. This was made known at the inauguration, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on September 13, 2024.
In his words, “First and foremost, it is going to reduce the time spent to move from Abuja to Entebbe. The ministers mentioned that it took them three and a half hours to move from Entebbe to Abuja. Secondly, it is going to reduce the cost of transport.
“The volume of trade will certainly increase, and when the volume of trade increases, the people who produce those goods and the people who are providing those services will grow their businesses. They will employ more people, and those employed will have incomes in their pockets.”
Also, Hassan Etibunu, the Director of the Ministry of Aviation, stated that the direct flight would make international trade more affordable and less cumbersome while promoting trade opportunities between the two countries.
In his words, “This flight connectivity between Nigeria and Uganda is going to impact positively on the two sides. Before now, travelling to East Africa or Uganda was cumbersome, but this flight is going to shorten it, creating seamless connectivity between the two nations.”
Ocheger reaffirms confidence in robust systems of both countries
On the issue of potential human and drug trafficking, Ocheger, the Ugandan ambassador, expressed confidence in the robust systems of both countries.
In his words, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria has a robust system to identify wolves amongst the sheep, and the same with Uganda. Given the systems that exist in both countries, this is something that will be a work in progress. We can identify wrong elements who are moving from one country to another."
Also, Adedayo Olawuyi, the Chief Commercial Officer for Uganda Airlines, announced the introductory fares, which would be in place for the next few months.
He explained that “Tickets between Abuja and Entebbe in economy class will cost just $600, and in business class, $1,665."
Full lists of African countries with direct flights from Abuja, Nigeria
Following the recent development of direct flights from Abuja to Uganda, TheRadar provides the full list of other African countries with direct flights from Abuja. The International Airport in Abuja is Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. It is medium-sized and the second-largest airport in Nigeria.
Unlike the International Airport in Lagos, the Airport in Abuja only has a few direct flights to some African countries, they include:
1.Ghana
2. Ethiopia
3. Egypt
4. Togo
5. Morocco
6. Côte D’Ivoire
7. Cameroon
8. Kenya
9. Chad
10. Benin
11. Rwanda
Zamfara about to join: Full list of international airports in Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously wrote on the ongoing construction of an international airport in Zamfara and the full list of international airports in Nigeria.
The construction of an international airport in Zamfara was announced by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, June 21, 2024.
The list of international airports in Nigeria includes Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Malam Aminu International Airport in Kano, Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto and Kaduna Airport in Kaduna State.
