Uganda Airlines is set to launch flights between Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and Kotoka International Airport in Accra on October 27, 2026, marking a new step in the carrier’s expansion into West Africa. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The service will operate four times a week using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft wet-leased from Ethiopian Airlines. Flights will stop in Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing to Accra, giving passengers another option for travelling between East and West Africa.
The launch is expected to strengthen connections between Ghana and Uganda while creating additional opportunities for business travel, tourism and commercial exchanges.
It also forms part of Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to develop Entebbe into a regional connecting hub for passengers travelling between African destinations and international markets.
The planned route comes as African governments and airlines seek to improve connectivity across the continent, where limited direct air links can make journeys between regional economies more expensive and time-consuming.
For Ghana, the new service will provide another airline option for travellers heading to Uganda and passengers connecting through Entebbe to other destinations.
Boeing 737-800 to Operate the New Route
The airline will use a Boeing 737-800 obtained through a wet-lease arrangement with Ethiopian Airlines.
Under this type of agreement, the aircraft provider supplies the aircraft along with crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing an airline to operate services without relying entirely on its own fleet.
The arrangement will help Uganda Airlines introduce the Accra route while managing aircraft availability challenges that have affected its operations.
Although the service connects Entebbe and Accra, it will include a stopover in Lagos. Travellers should therefore check the itinerary carefully when booking, as the route is not a nonstop flight between the two cities. Editorial Standards
The new service will build on Uganda Airlines existing operations to Lagos, enabling the carrier to extend its West African network without establishing an entirely separate route from Uganda.
Promotional Fares Start at US$550
Uganda Airlines has advertised promotional return fares starting at approximately US$550 for the Accra route, providing another option for passengers travelling between Ghana and Uganda.
The advertised fare could attract business travellers, tourists and people visiting relatives, particularly those seeking alternatives to existing connections through Nairobi and Addis Ababa.
However, the final ticket price may vary depending on travel dates, seat availability, booking conditions and additional charges. Corrections Policy
Passengers should confirm the applicable fare and flight schedule directly with the airline before making travel arrangements.
The introduction of another carrier could also encourage competition on the Ghana Uganda travel market. Whether it results in lower average fares will depend on passenger demand, operating costs and how competing airlines respond.
For travellers, the overall value of the service will depend not only on ticket prices but also on departure times, connection arrangements, baggage allowances and the reliability of scheduled flights.
Boosting Trade and Tourism Between East and West Africa
The route is expected to support stronger economic and social connections between Ghana and Uganda, two countries with opportunities for increased cooperation in business, tourism and trade.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has described the expansion of air links as an important part of efforts to improve regional integration and economic cooperation.
Better air connectivity could help businesspeople travel more easily between markets, attend meetings and explore commercial partnerships. It could also support tourism by making destinations more accessible to visitors from other parts of Africa. Newscard
The service may be particularly relevant to businesses seeking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade among African countries by reducing barriers and improving access to markets.
Nevertheless, improved air connections alone will not guarantee higher trade volumes. The wider benefits will depend on business demand, transport costs, market access and the development of commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Entebbe Airport’s Role as a Regional Hub
The Accra launch forms part of Uganda Airlines’ broader ambition to make Entebbe International Airport a connecting point for passengers travelling between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake has explained that the airline is reorganising its schedules to improve connections between international arrivals and regional departures.
The strategy is intended to allow passengers travelling from West Africa to connect through Entebbe to destinations such as India, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania.
Uganda Airlines also plans to introduce daily flights between Entebbe and Kigali, Rwanda, on November 18, 2026, further expanding its African network.
The airline is pursuing a wider fleet expansion programme, including plans to acquire additional Boeing aircraft and dedicated cargo freighters. These investments are intended to increase passenger and cargo capacity over time.
However, fleet availability remains an important operational consideration. Wet leasing aircraft can help maintain services and introduce new routes, but long-term success will depend on dependable schedules, sufficient capacity and sustainable passenger demand.
What the New Route Means for Ghanaian Travellers
For Ghanaian passengers, Uganda Airlines’ entry into the Accra market offers an additional choice when travelling to East Africa. It could also make Uganda more accessible for holidays, business trips and onward international connections.
Travellers should remember that the initial service operates via Lagos rather than as a nonstop flight. Checking the full itinerary, arrival times and connection arrangements will be important when comparing it with existing alternatives.
Ultimately, the October 27 launch represents a new opportunity to strengthen air links between Ghana and Uganda. Privacy Policy & Terms
If the airline can maintain reliable operations and attract sufficient demand, the service could contribute to closer commercial relations, increased tourism and improved connectivity between the two regions.