Uganda Airlines initiated flights between Harare and Entebbe on October 20, 2023, driven by increasing air transport demand. The airline aims to boost bilateral trade, with future plans to expand to additional routes and engage in cargo transportation. The efforts coincide with a flourishing aviation market in Zimbabwe, attracting numerous international airlines.
On the 20th of October 2023, Uganda Airlines commenced its inaugural flights between Harare and Entebbe, marking a significant development in air travel between Uganda and Zimbabwe. This initiative is anticipated to enhance bilateral trade, as approximately 9,000 passengers currently travel between the two locations, with numbers projected to increase in the future. While the Harare route is the primary focus, Uganda Airlines aims to expand its services further by introducing flights on additional routes, specifically Entebbe-Lusaka-Bulawayo and Entebbe-Lusaka-Victoria Falls. This is part of a broader strategy to enrich their regional route network. A welcoming delegation received the Uganda Airlines team at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, including Zimbabwe’s Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and Deputy Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa. Also present were Ugandan dignitaries such as Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama and Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Matia Kasaija, alongside Uganda Airlines board chairperson Mrs. Serukka Priscilla Mirembe. In light of the substantial traffic observed between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Uganda Airlines plans to capitalize on this as well. The price for a round trip from Harare to Entebbe is set between USD 500 and USD 600. Moreover, the airline is eager to explore cargo transport opportunities between the two nations, given the considerable volume of goods exchanged. The expansion into Zimbabwe comes amidst a growing influx of international airlines operating within the country, drawn by a rising number of travelers, robust economic prospects, a stable political environment, flourishing tourism, and the Government’s open skies policy. Notable international carriers such as Ethiopian Airways, South African Airways, Qatar, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Euro Wings, BA Comair, Air Link, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, and Fastjet have established services to Zimbabwe, thus reinforcing its status as a significant hub in the region.
The introduction of Uganda Airlines’ flights between Harare and Entebbe underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity within the East and Southern African regions. The growing demand for air travel, coupled with increased passenger traffic between Zimbabwe and Uganda, highlights the need for better air transport options. The expansion of Uganda Airlines is indicative of the broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are seeking to tap into emerging markets and regional routes to boost economic growth. Zimbabwe’s favorable policies towards aviation and tourism further contribute to its appeal as a destination for international airlines, showcasing the potential for future growth in air travel from and to the country.
The launch of Uganda Airlines flights between Harare and Entebbe marks a promising development in regional air travel, positioning the airline to foster increased bilateral trade and tourism. With an aim to expand routes and accommodate cargo transportation, Uganda Airlines is set to enhance connectivity in the region significantly. This venture not only facilitates better access for travelers but also responds to the evident demand for air travel services, as witnessed by the influx of various foreign airlines into Zimbabwe. The competitive flight pricing alongside the government’s supportive policies suggests a bright outlook for both Uganda Airlines and the African aviation market at large.
Original Source: www.herald.co.zw
