Uganda Airlines has launched flights between Harare and Entebbe, catering to the growing demand for air transport and aiming to enhance bilateral trade. The airline plans to expand its services to various routes, including cargo transport, and the launch was marked by a welcoming delegation of Ugandan officials.
Uganda Airlines has officially commenced its flight services between Harare, Zimbabwe, and Entebbe, Uganda, responding to the increasing demand for air travel between the two nations. This initiative is anticipated to bolster bilateral trade, with approximately 9,000 travelers currently journeying between the cities, a figure expected to rise significantly. While Harare is the primary focus of this new route, Uganda Airlines is also looking to expand its services further to include routes from Entebbe to Lusaka and Bulawayo as well as to Victoria Falls. Upon the airline’s launch of services, a delegation from Uganda Airlines, which included notable figures such as Ugandan Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama and Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija, was warmly welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and other senior officials. The airline aims to leverage high passenger traffic between Zimbabwe and Zambia while providing competitive pricing for travelers, with the return fare for flights from Harare to Entebbe set between USD 500 and USD 600. Furthermore, Uganda Airlines is not solely focused on passenger transport; it is also exploring opportunities in the cargo sector, recognizing the significant volume of goods exchanged between these destinations. Uganda Airlines’ entry into the Zimbabwean market is part of an extensive plan to broaden its route network within the region. Currently, Zimbabwe hosts over 20 foreign airlines, reflecting the increasing number of passengers flocking to the area, thriving tourism, and a government policy that promotes open skies for international carriers. Notable airlines servicing the Zimbabwean airspace include Ethiopian Airways, South African Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and several others.
The recent establishment of flight services between Uganda and Zimbabwe by Uganda Airlines marks a strategic response to the growing demand for air transport in the region. The air travel sector in Africa is witnessing increased activity due to enhanced trade relations and tourism opportunities, prompting airlines to expand their networks. This opening of routes is a critical step towards strengthening economic partnerships and facilitating easier movement for business and leisure travelers alike.
In conclusion, Uganda Airlines’ initiation of flights between Harare and Entebbe is a forward-looking move that aligns with the increasing travel and trade demands between Zimbabwe and Uganda. The airline’s expansion plans not only promise to enhance connectivity within the region but also indicate a broader trend towards greater air traffic and economic cooperation in Southern Africa. With competitive pricing and opportunities in cargo transport, Uganda Airlines is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning travel market in the region.
Original Source: www.herald.co.zw
