Uganda Airlines has officially launched scheduled flights to Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare, Zimbabwe, marking a significant step in the airline’s expansion into Southern Africa. The new routes, which commenced today, will operate four times a week, providing convenient travel options between East Africa and Southern Africa, as well as offering greater connectivity to other international destinations.
These new services are part of Uganda Airlines’ strategic plan to increase its network and improve connections across the African continent. By adding Lusaka and Harare to its destinations, the airline aims to enhance trade, tourism, and business links between Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and beyond. Direct flights also significantly reduce travel time between these countries, making it easier for passengers to move within the region.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki, expressed her excitement about the new routes during the inaugural flight, which departed from Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday.
“We are happy to return to the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe, countries whose history and culture are closely linked to Uganda,” Bamuturaki said. “These two destinations expand options for travel between East Africa and Southern Africa, demonstrating our commitment to providing safe, affordable, and reliable air transport services to connect the continent.”
The airline will operate the new routes using its modern fleet of CRJ 900-LR aircraft, which was recently recognized as the youngest aircraft fleet in Africa by Ch-Aviation, a testament to Uganda Airlines’ focus on offering a comfortable and efficient flying experience. By introducing these new direct services, Uganda Airlines is reducing travel time by more than six hours, eliminating the need for lengthy layovers in neighboring hubs such as Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
With these new flights, Uganda Airlines is strategically positioned to serve not only passengers whose journeys terminate in Lusaka or Harare but also those looking to travel further within its growing network. Passengers can now connect to various East African destinations such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Bujumbura, as well as to international destinations like Dubai, Johannesburg, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Mumbai, Lagos, Abuja, Juba, and Kinshasa.
“These flights have been positioned to serve the needs of both the person who may simply want to terminate their journeys in Uganda and others who might want to travel further within our network,” Bamuturaki added. “We are committed to expanding our network and providing convenient connections across Africa and beyond.”
The inaugural flight, UR 720, departed Entebbe International Airport at 10:00 AM, arriving in Lusaka, Zambia at 11:45 AM. From Lusaka, the flight continued to Harare, Zimbabwe, landing at 1:30 PM. After a brief stay, the flight returned to Entebbe, arriving at 6:15 PM. This new schedule offers passengers convenient and timely connections to other destinations within Uganda Airlines’ network, making it easier to travel across the region.
With the addition of Lusaka and Harare, Uganda Airlines now serves 16 destinations across Africa and the Middle East, completing its initial phase of route expansion. The airline’s focus on connecting key cities within Africa is part of a larger plan to boost regional travel, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate greater interaction among African nations.
The airline has indicated that it is not stopping here. Further expansion beyond Africa is in the works, with plans to introduce new routes to Europe and Asia in the near future. Uganda Airlines has placed a strong emphasis on being a key player in African aviation by promoting connectivity, encouraging tourism, and facilitating trade across the continent.
The launch of direct flights to Lusaka and Harare is a significant milestone for Uganda Airlines as it continues its growth in the competitive aviation industry. The airline is playing a crucial role in reducing travel time, offering better connectivity, and supporting economic development by linking more African cities. As the airline grows its network, it remains committed to providing safe, affordable, and reliable air services, positioning itself as a leading carrier in Africa.
Uganda Airlines’ new routes to Zambia and Zimbabwe offer travelers more choices, ease of access to multiple destinations, and a streamlined experience across Southern Africa. These additions signal the airline’s intent to be a major force in connecting Africa and beyond.
