Boosting connectivity between India and East Africa, Uganda Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Entebbe to Mumbai, which will be operated thrice a week from October 7.

Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines, will commence direct flights of Entebbe to Mumbai from October 7, with three weekly flights.

According to a press statement, ahead of the inaugural flight, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki said the carrier was already looking forward to the operationalisation of the Entebbe-Mumbai route, exuding confidence on the route’s future growth.

“This route is important to the airline because of the anticipated traffic that we will accrue for the network. The route means so much to our Indian brothers and sisters because it will reduce journey times from nine hours to exactly five and a half hours,” says Bamuturaki.

Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala, said the route would open up more opportunities for the people of Uganda and India. The launch of the new route will significantly enhance connectivity between India and East Africa, which is currently serviced by Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airways.

The statement adds that Uganda Airlines returned to the skies in August 2019 after nearly two decades.

It says that fulfilling a pledge by President Yoweri Museveni, the airline has since grown and increased operations to multiple international routes, and is looking to expand its reach even further by acquiring more aircrafts.

The carrier also expects to launch direct flights from Entebbe to Lagos starting October 19.