As the holiday season unfolds, Uganda’s aviation sector is unwrapping exciting new developments that promise smoother skies and enhanced connectivity for business, tourism, and other travel needs.
In a merry addition reminiscent of Santa’s surprises, Malawian Airlines and Kenya’s Safari link have officially entered Uganda’s airspace this December, elevating the total number of scheduled airlines serving Entebbe International Airport from 20-22 scheduled air operators.
This strategic expansion, announced by Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), is set to enrich passenger experiences, boost tourism, and fuel economic growth across the region.
These newcomers join an impressive roster of global and local carriers, including heavyweights like KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and RwandAir, as well as homegrown operators such as Uganda Airlines and Aerolink.
This influx signals Uganda’s rising appeal as a key African hub, capitalizing on its strategic location to serve business, leisure, and adventure travel demands.
Kicking off the celebrations, Malawian Airlines launched its inaugural flight to Entebbe on 15th December, 2025, with a state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 boasting 168 seats for ultimate comfort.
Operating four times weekly on the Entebbe-Lilongwe route, this service is to facilitate seamless connectivity between Uganda and Malawi—essential for fostering cross-border partnerships and enabling tourists to explore East Africa’s diverse cultures.
“We expect the market to be attractive and we call upon support from all different partners,” exclaimed Malawian Airlines CEO Solomon Bekele at the launch, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving this venture.
Safarilink Airlines from Kenya also introduced its four-day-a-week service connecting Entebbe to Kisumu and beyond, with its maiden flight also on 15th December, 2025.
This route is a game-changer for tourists, eliminating tedious backtracking and slashing travel times. Imagine wrapping up a thrilling safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara, then hopping a quick flight to Kisumu before a mere 45-minute jaunt to Entebbe for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s misty mountains.
“We have a lot of tourists who visit Mara and have to backtrack to Nairobi and then to Entebbe for gorilla watching. With this new development, they’ll be able to fly from Mara straight to Kisumu and then use the Safarilink flight to Entebbe,” shared Safarilink CEO Alex Avedi during the launch, underscoring the airline’s focus on effortless regional exploration.
Uganda’s CAA is steering this growth with ambitious infrastructure upgrades at Entebbe International Airport and regional facilities, designed to handle rapidly growing air traffic.
“That’s why we are seriously engaged in expansion activities of Entebbe International Airport and other facilities to accommodate the expanding network of airlines that are coming in,” explained CAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye at the Malawian Airlines launch.
These enhancements have already paid dividends, attracted new carriers and driving a 10% surge in air traffic.
In July alone, Entebbe International Airport handled a record 230,577 passengers—119,127 arrivals and 111,450 departures—averaging 7,437 travellers daily. These impressive figures signal robust opportunities for tourism operators, hoteliers, and adventure seekers eyeing their next East African escapade.
As Uganda’s skies continue to expand, these new routes go beyond added flights—they foster stronger regional ties, unveil hidden destinations, and promise unforgettable journeys for travelers.( By Joseph Ssuuna)
