Uganda Airlines is all set to restart direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda for the first time since Uganda Airline’s revamp in 2019. The announcement was made by the Foreign Minister of Uganda, Jeje Odongo during the Rwanda-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Kigali.
Speaking at the session, Odongo said: “The move seeks to address transport challenges faced by the business community from both countries, boost trade, enhance connectivity and contribute to the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges.”
Uganda Airline resumed commercial operations in 2019 and flew to most regional destinations. But due to diplomatic rift between Uganda and Rwanda the airlines failed to secure landing rights in Kigali. Since its revamp, officials from both countries have been engaging in talks to see that the airline gets cleared to operate direct flights from its hub in Entebbe to Kigali.
After several rounds of talks some concessions were made and Kigali opened the common border last year. Now with further concessions Uganda Airlines is allowed to fly to Kigali signalling further opening up of relations between the two countries.
Already, RwandAir, Kigali’s national carrier, operates direct flights to Entebbe.
“Uganda welcomes the acceptance of the designation of our national carrier Uganda Airlines by the Rwanda authorities, which will lead to its commencing of direct flights from their hub in Entebbe to Kigali,” Odongo said in a statement.
Uganda Air currently flies to Nairobi, Kinshasa, Juba, Mombasa, Dar es Salam, Mogadishu, Kilimanjaro and Bujumbura. The airline is also planning to revamp its fleet and looking at a possible aircraft order soon. Airbus and Boeing are both pitching their fleets ahead of a future aircraft order.
The airline is also planning to start direct flights to London, and awaiting Entebbe Airport to meet international standards of facility and operations. The airline also operates five weekly flights to Johannesburg.