Uganda Airlines in a historic move on Saturday commenced direct flights from Entebbe to India’s Mumbai, marking a monumental achievement.

Overview:

This pioneering journey signalled a new era of connectivity and convenience for travellers between Uganda and India.

Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister for Works and Transport, who presided over the function expressed pride in this historic moment, highlighting the monumental significance of this first-ever direct flight.

He emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties and enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

“This is a momentous occasion in Uganda-India relations because, for the first time in half a century, our two friendly nations are now connected by a direct air service,” he said.

“So, we are indeed happy that Uganda Airlines is re-establishing this air bridge, which will shorten the journey times between our friendly nations, strengthen bilateral trade, and deepen cultural interaction between our people,” the Ugandan minister added.

The introduction of this direct flight route represents a remarkable leap forward in bolstering bilateral relations between Uganda and India.

The seamless connection will facilitate a more efficient movement of people, goods, and ideas, enhancing economic and social ties.

Uganda Airlines’ direct flight to Mumbai comes as a result of extensive planning, coordination, and meticulous execution.

The airline has taken strategic steps to meet the rising demand for travel between Uganda and India, optimizing the aviation sector’s potential.

This groundbreaking development showcases Uganda Airlines’ commitment to expanding its reach and providing accessible air travel options for its passengers.

“After 40 years, this is historic to connect the two countries, and reducing the journey time from close to 24 hours to now under six. We are now doing our enabling work, we have traders going, students, on our way back, and we have five tonnes of cargo returning.” Ms Jennifer Bamuturaki, the Chief Executive Officer of the national carrier said on Saturday moments before the UR 431 took off to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

The route is Uganda Airlines’ second service outside the African continent and the 12th across its network and joins a rapidly expanding network that offers travelers convenient connections to South, West, Central, and Eastern Africa. The direct service will last approximately 5 & 1/2 hours in each direction, bringing unmatched convenience to people travelling between the two points for business, family or tourism.

The Mumbai route is Uganda Airlines’ second service outside the African continent and the 12th across its network.

The direct service will last approximately five and a half hours in each direction, bringing unmatched convenience to people travelling between the two points for business, family or tourism.

Uganda Airlines Board Chair Ms Priscilla Mirembe Serukka said the service to Mumbai was only an initial entry point into India, and other destinations were under consideration.

“We are happy that we have answered the call of the business community, which, since we started operations four years ago, has been asking us to introduce this service. People are asking for more and we are listening. We are open to exploring new opportunities in this market,” she said.

The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Mr Upender Singh Rawat said the six and a half hour direct flight will ease movement for people between the two countries.

“We have had people going through Addis Ababa, Dubai and many other transit routes but this will definitely not only reduce the time but it will be more effective cost wise” he said.