Uganda Airlines begins Accra flights to boost East-West African connectivity

Uganda Airlines has officially commenced scheduled flight operations between Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and the Accra International Airport in Ghana, opening another air link between East and West Africa.

The new service is expected to improve connectivity for travellers, stimulate tourism and trade, and strengthen economic cooperation between Ghana and Uganda.

The airline will operate four flights weekly through Lagos, Nigeria, extending its existing West African operations and adding Accra to its expanding international network.

The service marks its entry into the Ghanaian market, the carrier's 19th destination.

Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the inaugural flight in Accra on Tuesday, October 27, the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the partnership would support efforts to position Ghana as a preferred aviation hub in the West African subregion.

“We are particularly delighted by Uganda Airlines’ decision to operate the Entebbe–Lagos–Accra route, a clear demonstration of confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry and a strong endorsement of the collective efforts being made to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business within the West African subregion,” she said.

Mrs Afriyie Opare said the new service would offer travellers more options and strengthen connections between the two countries, particularly in tourism, trade and cultural exchange.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, Ato Girma Wake, said the new route had particular significance because of the historical ties between Ghana and Uganda and the need for African airlines to work together to improve continental connectivity.

“There are many airlines in Ghana. There is no doubt about it. But an additional flight from East Africa gives it a special value,” he said.

Mr Wake said the airline intends to increase the frequency of its flights as demand grow, with the possibility of moving from four flights weekly to daily operations and eventually adding more services.

He added that the airline is not only seeking to bring passengers to Ghana but also to enable travellers to connect through Accra to other destinations in West Africa.

According to him, African airlines could expand their markets by cooperating to feed passengers into one another’s networks, helping to improve connectivity and support trade and tourism across the continent.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said stronger air links between African countries were essential to economic integration and the movement of people, goods and services.

He argued that African countries need to take greater responsibility for addressing the continent’s transport challenges rather than relying on external partners.

“It is not anybody from Asia or Europe or the Americas that will come and solve our problems for us. It is the African that will solve African problems because they affect us directly,” he said.

He reiterated that the government is also working to revive Ghana Airways, the country’s former national carrier, with a task force established by President John Dramani Mahama nearing the completion of its work.

“Very soon, the task force is almost done with their work, and very soon we will join the Uganda Airlines,” he said, expressing optimism that Ghana would re-establish its presence in the aviation industry.

Mr Nikpe further urged airlines to make air travel more affordable for Africans, warning that high ticket prices could limit the benefits of improved connectivity even when the necessary infrastructure and routes were available.

He said stronger partnerships between African airlines, supported by efficient airports and affordable fares, could reduce the difficulties travellers face when moving between countries and help unlock the continent’s economic potential.