Uganda Airlines has initiated direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to Lagos, offering three weekly flights to the Nigerian city. This expansion comes after the Nigerian government granted approval for Uganda Airlines to use Abuja and Kano as entry points, in alignment with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) between the two nations.
The introduction of this flight service to Lagos by Uganda Airlines seeks to address the growing travel demand between West Africa and East Africa. Flights are scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with a travel duration of under 5 hours. Economy class return tickets are priced at $510, while Business class tickets are available at $1,800.
Following the inaugural flight, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocherger, emphasized that the Nigerian government’s approval paves the way for a multitude of business opportunities between the two countries. He also expressed anticipation for Nigerian carriers to commence services to Uganda.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Director of Airport Protocol in the Ministry, Ambassador Oludare Folowosele, highlighted the opportunity provided by Uganda Airlines to address air transport challenges and reduce travel time between West and East Africa. He questioned the practice of Africans traveling to Europe for flight connections when they could directly connect neighboring African countries. Tuggar emphasized the potential for wealth creation and Africa’s unity through improved aviation.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), Hassan Ejibunu, the Director of Air Transport Management in the Ministry, underscored the importance of aviation in uniting African people and promoting inter-Africa business, aligning with the continent’s 2063 Agenda championed by its leaders.
