Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
UGANDA Airlines has sets its sights on Victoria Falls and Bulawayo as its next destinations in Zimbabwe as part of the airline’s expansion plan.
This follows the successful launch of new flights from Entebbe to Harare and Lusaka, with three flights a week. The airline uses an Airbus A330-800neo and Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft for these routes.
“We have plans to land in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo as we expand. As we get more aeroplanes, we will be able to fly to different places,” Uganda Airlines chief executive Jennifer Bamuturaki told The Financial Gazette.
Uganda Airlines launched its inaugural flights between Entebbe and Harare last week. The airline will initially operate four flights covering Entebbe, Lusaka, and Harare.
“We will also increase the number of flights to Zimbabwe daily,” she added.
This expansion aligns with the airline’s fifth anniversary and concludes its three-year strategic plan, which focuses on developing an efficient regional network and maximising fleet utilisation.
“We want to consolidate ourselves as an intra-African airline that serves a few strategic routes. In the next 10 years, we aim to have launched 33 routes,” Bamuturaki said.
The maiden flight from Entebbe to Harare had 75 passengers, including nine government officials. In Harare, Uganda Airlines achieved a significant milestone by partnering with Aviation Ground Services (AGS), known for its cargo operations.
AGS is expanding into passenger handling, making Uganda Airlines only the second carrier to receive this service.
AGS believes the partnership will enhance regional travel and trade opportunities, while Uganda Airlines aims to strengthen connections between East and Southern Africa.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, passenger traffic at Zimbabwe’s airports surged by 24,8 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching 1,02 million passengers compared to 820 667 during the same period in 2023.This significant growth in both international and domestic travel reflects a strong recovery in the aviation sector following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The increasing number of flights and rising passenger numbers highlight Zimbabwe’s growing connectivity with global markets.
In the first half of 2024, Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls airports saw a combined 46 flights per day, up from 32 during the same period in 2023.
