The four-weekly service cuts travel time to approximately five hours, strengthening links between East and West Africa.
ENTEBBE, UGANDA — Uganda Airlines has launched direct flights between Entebbe and Accra, Ghana, opening a new air corridor expected to strengthen trade, tourism and investment between East and West Africa. The service, operating four times weekly, reduces travel time from up to 10 hours through connecting airports to approximately five hours. Flagged off at Entebbe International Airport by State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama, the route becomes Uganda Airlines’ 18th destination and supports Uganda’s ambition to establish Entebbe as a regional aviation hub.
A new gateway for African trade
Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake described the Accra route as an investment in economic connectivity rather than simply an expansion of passenger services. “The end goal is to be an engine of change, an engine of productivity, an engine of growth, an engine of prosperity for the nation that we serve,” Wake said. He noted that Accra would serve as a gateway to wider West African markets, creating opportunities for passenger connections, cargo transportation and business partnerships.
The route also supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose Secretariat is based in Accra, by improving transport links between businesses operating across the continent. Ghana’s Honorary Consul to Uganda, Kwame Ejalu, welcomed the development, saying stronger air connections were essential to translating Africa’s economic integration ambitions into meaningful trade.
Government targets stronger aviation connectivity
Minister Byamukama said the direct service would eliminate lengthy connections and ease travel for businesspeople, tourists and investors.
“This new service is a practical investment in the relationship between Uganda and Ghana, creating a direct link between East and West Africa and new opportunities for our citizens, business and economies,” he said.
He also welcomed Ghana’s visa-free entry arrangements for Ugandan passport holders, noting that easier movement of people would complement improved air connectivity. The government has meanwhile committed to acquiring 10 additional aircraft to strengthen Uganda Airlines’ operational capacity and support further network expansion.
Uganda Airlines strengthens Entebbe’s hub ambitions
According to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Acting Director General Olive Lumunya, Uganda Airlines accounts for nearly 30% of passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport. She said the carrier’s growing network was increasing transit traffic and driving improvements in airport infrastructure and passenger services. Uganda has also signed 64 bilateral air service agreements to facilitate international aviation access, with further negotiations underway to support new destinations. Uganda’s Ambassador Bob Kabonero announced that Kigali was expected to become the airline’s 19th destination in November 2026.
Tourism and investment opportunities
The Accra connection is also expected to promote tourism between Uganda and Ghana, giving West African travellers easier access to Uganda’s wildlife, cultural attractions and natural landscapes. Ugandan travellers will similarly benefit from improved access to Ghana’s historical sites, cultural heritage and commercial centres. Tourism agencies, travel operators and hospitality businesses are expected to benefit from increased passenger movement and opportunities for cross-border partnerships. Beyond tourism, the route could support agricultural exports, cargo movement and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The next test: Commercial sustainability
While the launch marks another milestone in Uganda Airlines’ expansion, its long-term success will depend on sustained passenger demand, reliable operations, competitive fares and viable cargo traffic. The airline is banking on Accra’s strategic location to attract connecting passengers travelling between West Africa and destinations across its growing network. For Uganda, the new route represents more than a shorter journey to Ghana. It offers an opportunity to deepen continental trade, attract investment and strengthen Entebbe’s position as an African aviation gateway.
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