Uganda Airlines has launched direct flights from Abuja to Entebbe, a city in Central Uganda.
The airline said that the new route was expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, boost trade and tourism between the two countries and provide travellers with an efficient link between West and East Africa.
The airlines made this known at the inauguration, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, recently.
The Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, highlighted the impact of the new connectivity.
“This flight and those that are going to come, in my view, will impact Nigerians and other travellers in many ways.
“First and foremost, it is going to reduce the time spent to move from Abuja to Entebbe. The ministers mentioned that it took them three and a half hours to move from Entebbe to Abuja. Secondly, it is going to reduce the cost of transport,” he explained.
Ocheger further noted that the direct flight would facilitate cargo movement between the two countries, enhancing trade and business growth.
“The volume of trade will certainly increase, and when the volume of trade increases, the people who produce those goods and the people who are providing those services will grow their businesses. They will employ more people, and those employed will have incomes in their pockets,” he added.
Addressing concerns about potential human and drug trafficking, the Ugandan ambassador expressed confidence in the robust systems of both countries.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria has a robust system to identify wolves amongst the sheep, and the same with Uganda. Given the systems that exist in both countries, this is something that will be a work in progress. We can identify wrong elements who are moving from one country to another,” he assured.
Also, the Chief Commercial Officer for Uganda Airlines, Adedayo Olawuyi, announced the introductory fares, which would be in place for the next few months.
“As of today, tickets between Abuja and Entebbe in economy class will cost you just $600, and in business class, $1,665,” he stated.
The Ugandan Minister of State for Transport, Honourable Fred Byamukana, praised the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Uganda.
“We have been living as brothers and sisters. This bridge we have built is one to maintain our friendship. In terms of business, this helps you to grow economically,” said Byamukana, underscoring the economic benefits of the new flight route.
The Director of the Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Etibunu, added, “This flight connectivity between Nigeria and Uganda is going to impart positively on the two sides. Before now, travelling to East Africa or Uganda was cumbersome, but this flight is going to shorten it, creating seamless connectivity between the two nations.”
Etibunu emphasised that the direct flight would make freight more affordable and less cumbersome, enhancing trade opportunities.