Uganda airlines has announced its readiness to begin offering non-stop flights to Lagos, Nigeria starting on September 19, 2023.

The High Commissioner of Nigeria to Uganda, Ismail Ayobamai Alatise, hailed the development as a significant step towards enhancing the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“This marks a crucial milestone in the efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. It’s an achievement for me as an individual, as our major problem has been transport, as a minimum journey from Entebbe to Nigeria has been 9 hours and sometimes 21 hours through other routes. But it will now take 4 hours,” Alatise said.

He urged the Nigerian community in Uganda to make use of the most available flights, both as individuals and as a group.

Jennifer Bamuturaki, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, expressed immense joy and excitement over the development, considering it a long-awaited fulfillment of the cherished dream.

“The airline’s main objective is to establish connections between Uganda and various parts of the world, encompassing the North, East, South and West,” Bamuturaki said.

She noted that Africa is underserved in terms of air transport, acknowledging that it is a pleasure that the route is being launched, and promised to bring the airline’s commitment to make it work.

Bamuturaki further stated that, the flights will boost business and investment across different sectors of agriculture, tourism, and energy manufacturing, among others.

Hajji Mohammed Hauwa, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Community in Uganda said that, he was very happy that the world’s youngest airline is going to fly to Nigeria, adding that Uganda has been exporting a significant quantity of pepper to Nigeria, which is considered one of their key exports, and this flight will further enhance its export.

“We have eagerly awaited this flight as it is a highly anticipated moment for us. This new development has come at just the right time. We are fully prepared to embark on our journey and we are enthusiastic about travelling from Uganda, often referred to as the pearl of Africa, to Nigeria, known as the giant of Africa. And additionally it serves as the patron of Nigerian students in Uganda,” Hauwa said.

The announcement was made by Adedayo Olawuyi, the Chief Commercial Officer of Uganda Airlines, during a meeting with the Nigerian Community in Uganda, at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Uganda Airlines is expected to also announce a non-stop flight to Guangzhou, China. This announcement comes as the airline continues to expand its international routes. Just two weeks ago, Uganda Airlines made headlines by announcing its first direct flight to Mumbai, India and is set to continue expanding.