BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini has been identified as one of 32 regional and international destinations targeted for future expansion by Uganda Airlines under an ambitious 10-year government-backed strategic plan aimed at transforming the country’s national carrier into a leading African airline.
The proposed route would connect Entebbe International Airport in Uganda with King Mswati III International Airport in Eswatini, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries while supporting tourism, trade and investment.
Although no launch date has been announced, the route forms part of Uganda Airlines’ long-term network expansion strategy, which is dependent on the acquisition of additional aircraft and continued growth of the airline’s operations.
The strategy was unveiled during the airline’s recent Annual General Meeting in Kampala, where management outlined plans to almost double its current network from 17 destinations in 14 countries to 32 regional and international destinations over the next decade.
New opportunities for business travellers, tourists and cargo operators
For Eswatini, the development represents a potential boost to international connectivity, with direct links to East Africa expected to create new opportunities for business travellers, tourists and cargo operators. The route would also provide passengers with easier connections to Uganda Airlines’ growing network across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The expansion is backed by significant government investment in Uganda’s aviation sector. Parliament has approved funding for the acquisition of additional aircraft, including Boeing 787 passenger jets, cargo aircraft and Airbus narrow-body aircraft, while the airline is also pursuing consultancy services to guide its fleet expansion programme.
Uganda Airlines’ 10-year blueprint extends beyond new routes. The carrier also plans major infrastructure developments, including a modern headquarters, an aircraft maintenance hangar, a cargo warehouse, a premium-class hotel and a business-class lounge, all aimed at strengthening its position as a regional aviation hub.
Financial performance show improvement
The airline’s expansion comes as its financial performance continues to improve.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda Airlines reduced its net loss by 27 percent during the 2024/25 financial year while increasing revenue by 22 percent, from UGX349 billion (about US$93 million) to UGX437.3 billion (US$116.5 million). The national carrier now accounts for approximately 27 percent of passenger traffic through Entebbe International Airport, highlighting its growing influence in Uganda’s aviation sector.
The airline has also expanded its fleet to seven aircraft, comprising Airbus A330-800neos and Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets, while additional leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft are expected to support its growing route network as it awaits delivery of new aircraft.
Uganda’s government has placed experienced aviation executive Girma Wake at the helm as acting Chief Executive Officer to steer the airline through its next phase of growth. Wake, the former Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir and former chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, has been tasked with strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, managing costs and enhancing the passenger experience through digital innovation.
Complementing existing regional services
If implemented, the Entebbe-King Mswati III International Airport service would become one of the most significant new international air links for Eswatini in recent years, complementing existing regional services while further integrating the Kingdom into Africa’s expanding aviation network.
While Uganda Airlines has not yet published a timetable for the Eswatini route, its inclusion in the airline’s official 10-year strategic plan signals the carrier’s intention to establish a presence in the Southern African market as it pursues long-term growth.
#Eswatini #Uganda #Airlines #SADC #10-YrPlan #Aviation
