Uganda Airlines is set to launch its first intercontinental flight. Previously the airline has only operated within Africa, but from October 1st, the airline will connect Entebbe International Airport in Uganda with Dubai. For Ugandans, this is supposed to translate to cheaper Dubai flights and put it in direct competition with FlyDubai, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airways.
On 3rd March, Uganda Airlines announced that it will soon start operating its intercontinental flights to the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East after completing the ongoing A330-800neo aircraft certification process with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. The certification is a five-phase program which once complete will results in the addition of the aircraft to the Uganda Airlines Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
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The Middle East flights are set to launch on October 1st, 2021, in time for the World Expo, which will be held in Dubai. The airline will use a pair of Airbus A330-800s to operate flight UR444 three times per week on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The two aircraft were only added to the airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) in August.
Uganda Airlines has recently faced some corruption scandals. It has failed to launch the Middle East flights two times now– so if all goes to plan and the airline does manage to launch the flights. This will prove that the third time is the charm. The flight was initially due to launch in July, but a lack of demand and ongoing international travel restrictions forced the airline to postpone.
They have finally managed to get the appropriate certification for the A330s in August. With the two aircraft allowed to operate commercial flights, the newest date for the launch is October.
In the future, Uganda Airlines is targeting to start flying the A330 to London, Dubai, Guangzhou, and Mumbai, with the line operating direct flights to these city pairs from Entebbe International Airport.
