Uganda Airlines has announced plans to launch flights on the Harare-Entebbe route starting on the 25th of this month, driven by rising demand for air travel between Zimbabwe and Uganda.
The airline expects that frequent flights between these destinations will boost bilateral trade.
Currently, up to 9,000 passengers travel between Harare and Entebbe, with the number anticipated to grow. Uganda Airlines also plans to expand its service to include the Entebbe-Lusaka-Bulawayo and Entebbe-Lusaka-Victoria Falls routes.
The airline aims to capitalize on the significant passenger traffic between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Round-trip tickets between Harare and Entebbe will be priced between $500 and $600. In addition to passenger services, Uganda Airlines is also targeting cargo transport, given the volume of goods traded between the two nations.
The airline’s entry into the Zimbabwe market aligns with its broader strategy to expand its regional route network. Uganda Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, highlighted that the new route would not only enhance trade but also increase tourism flows between the two countries, both of which offer rich tourist attractions. The airline plans to collaborate with local travel agencies to promote the new route.
Initially, the airline will operate four flights covering Entebbe-Lusaka, Lusaka-Harare, Lusaka-Harare, and Lusaka-Entebbe. This service aims to fill the current gap in direct air connectivity between Uganda and Zimbabwe, thereby facilitating trade and economic growth.
By the end of the year, Uganda Airlines plans to expand further by launching routes to China and London, thereby enhancing connections between East and West. Olawuyi noted that Zimbabwe’s market holds significant potential, having previously accommodated around 44 airlines.
Uganda Airlines faced minimal logistical challenges in establishing the new routes, thanks to supportive government policies. In addition to passenger services, the airline also plans to transport cargo, including agricultural and mining products, to foster trade between the two countries.
As Uganda Airlines links Harare to Entebbe, it will also connect passengers to other destinations within its network, which includes 13 destinations such as Dubai and an upcoming route to Abuja.
Olawuyi expressed optimism about achieving profitability on the new routes within the first 18 months of operation, expecting them to boost the airline’s revenue.
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