Uganda Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Entebbe and Lagos, dramatically reducing travel time between East and West Africa to just 3.5 hours, in a significant move to boost intra-African connectivity. The inaugural flight touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday, May 25, marking a new chapter in regional aviation and trade.
The new route is expected to foster stronger economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Uganda and Nigeria, two of Africa’s largest economies. Before this development, travelers between the two regions often endured lengthy layovers and circuitous routes, sometimes totaling more than 10 hours of travel time.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki emphasized the airline’s commitment to making regional air travel more efficient and affordable.
“This route is not only about shortening travel hours. It’s about connecting businesses, families, and opportunities across Africa. We’re offering highly competitive fares to ensure more Africans can fly easily between the regions,” she said.
The new service will operate three times a week, with the airline using its fleet of Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. This direct service is expected to rival both local and international carriers that currently dominate the West-East Africa airspace with longer and more expensive routes.
Officials from both nations hailed the development as a breakthrough in regional integration. Representing the Nigerian government at the launch, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, noted that the partnership underscores the importance of direct air links in driving trade, tourism, and pan-African cooperation.
“This launch is timely. It is a bold step towards realizing the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and improving connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Keyamo stated.
Analysts have also welcomed the move, highlighting its potential impact on regional economies. “Direct flights between Nigeria and Uganda will facilitate quicker business trips, tourism growth, and academic exchanges,” said aviation analyst Tunde Olayemi. “It’s also a competitive challenge to international airlines that have long profited from Africa’s disconnected air routes.”
Uganda Airlines has been steadily expanding its network across the continent as part of its recovery and growth strategy since its revival in 2019. With the addition of Lagos to its schedule, the airline now serves over 15 destinations across Africa and the Middle East.
Passengers booking on the new route can expect lower fares, streamlined immigration services, and enhanced onboard experience, according to the airline’s announcement.
As Uganda Airlines strengthens its footprint in West Africa, many are optimistic that the development signals the beginning of more affordable and efficient intra-African travel — a vital pillar for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
For bookings and schedule information, travelers can visit the official Uganda Airlines website or contact local ticketing agents
Source: ShakaraSquare
