In order to increase its market share and promote air travel connectivity on the African continent, Uganda Airlines has announced that it will launch its much awaited Lagos Nigeria route on October 19th, 2023 .
Uganda Airlines CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, while addressing the members of the Nigerian diaspora in Uganda during dinner meeting at Sheraton hotel noted that Africa is underserved in terms of air transport and connectivity by air has become more expensive on the continent.
“Regionally, the connectivity between the West and the East is still lingering; usually, we look as far as the Middle East to connect with West Africa. Uganda Airlines is here to answer this call of duty and hereby brings its commitment to the fore to start its service to Lagos, Nigeria,” Bamuturaki told a cheering audience. The event was attended by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda , Ismail Alatise.
The CEO said following the new direct flight , it will take only four hours to connect from Lagos to Entebbe down from nine and 15 minutes it has been taking travelers to fly the same route. The new route also has an added advantage as it significantly reduces the connection flights lead times between Lagos-Entebbe to Mumbai and Dubai and other African destinations where Uganda Airlines is operating .
“Our service, lasting just 4 hours to Lagos, addresses an existing need and will be a catalyst to unlock the immense potential of a market force of over 230m people for collaboration across as well as opportunities between the two countries. From oil and gas, agriculture, investments, tourism, textiles and now music, Uganda Airlines offers the bridge to immense possibilities,” Bamuturaki stated .
Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi, the Chief Commercial Officer at Uganda Airlines , said that the new Lagos route will facilitate trade and spur economic activity in the major sectors of the two brotherly countries’ trade relations namely, oil and gas, agriculture, education, tourism among others.
Speaking at the same event the chairperson of the Nigerian Community in Uganda Ms. Hauwa M. Mohammad , said Uganda Airlines connections from Entebbe to China, Dubai and India, favour Nigerian business persons because it shortens the total travel time and cargo uplift.
“ You know Nigerians in all endeavours: Go Big or Go Home, we shall fill up your cargo holds,” she said adding that the direct flights between Nigeria and Uganda will lead to increased trade opportunities, ease access between the two countries .
The new Entebbe /Lagos flight schedules :
Monday and Sundays: Flt No. UR900 Depart : 07:00 Arrive : 09:30
Thursday:UR900 Depart: 16:00 Arrive: 18:30
Lagos-Entebbe Flight schedules:
Monday, Sunday : UR901 Depart: 11:00 Arrive: 17:30
Thursday : UR901 Depart : 20:00 Arrive: 02:30
The writer is a communications , stakeholder and media consultant/ Advocate of the High Court of Uganda
Email:msserwanga@gmail.com
