Uganda Airlines, the national flag carrier of Uganda, has launched direct flights between Entebbe and Lagos, Nigeria.
The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism, and
cultural ties between the two African countries.
According to the airlines, the direct flights to Nigeria
were part of its strategic plan to expand its network and connect Uganda to
more destinations in Africa and beyond. The airline said that Nigeria was a key
market for Uganda, as it was the largest economy and the most populous country
in Africa.
The airline also said that the direct flights would offer
convenience and affordability to travellers, as they would reduce the travel
time and cost between Uganda and Nigeria. Previously, travellers had to transit
through other countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Rwanda, to fly between
Entebbe and Lagos.
The airline also said that the direct flights would enhance
trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Uganda and Nigeria. The airline
said that it would facilitate the movement of goods and services, such as
agricultural products, minerals, oil and gas, textiles, and handicrafts. The
airline also said that it would promote tourism attractions, such as wildlife,
nature, culture, and heritage.
Uganda Airlines operates four weekly flights between Entebbe
and Lagos on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flights depart from
Entebbe at 11:30 am local time and arrive in Lagos at 2:30 pm local time. The
return flights depart from Lagos at 3:30 pm local time and arrive in Entebbe at
10:30 pm local time.
The flights are operated by Airbus A330-800neo aircraft,
which have a capacity of 261 passengers in a three-class configuration: 20
business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 213 economy class seats.
The aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, Wi-Fi
connectivity, and USB charging ports.
The fares for the direct flights start from $399 for a round
trip in economy class and $1,199 for a round trip in business class. The fares
include taxes and fees.
The launch of the direct flights was welcomed by officials
and stakeholders from both Uganda and Nigeria. The Ugandan Minister of Works
and Transport Gen Katumba Wamala said that the direct flights would strengthen
the bilateral relations between Uganda and Nigeria and create opportunities for
cooperation in various sectors.
The Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda Dr Nura Rimi said
that the direct flights would boost the people-to-people contact between Uganda
and Nigeria and foster mutual understanding and friendship. He also said that
the direct flights would attract more Nigerian tourists to Uganda and vice
versa.
The passengers who boarded the inaugural flight from Entebbe
to Lagos expressed their satisfaction with the service and convenience of the
direct flights. They said that they were happy to save time and money by flying
directly to their destination without any stopovers or hassles.