Uganda Airlines begins operations in Ghana

October 30, 2026

2 minutes read

Uganda Airlines has opened a new commercial air corridor between Ghana and East Africa, with the commencement of scheduled flights to Accra expected to boost trade, investment, tourism and the movement of people and goods between the two regions.

The inaugural Entebbe-Lagos-Accra flight, which arrived at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, marked Uganda Airlines’ entry into the Ghanaian market and its 18th destination since the airline commenced operations seven years ago.

Operating four times a week initially, the airline plans to increase the frequency to daily flights as demand grows, creating additional opportunities for Ghanaian and Ugandan businesses to access markets across West and East Africa.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Nikpe, said the entry of Uganda Airlines into the Ghanaian route clearly affirmed Ghana as the aviation hub in the sub-region.

He said not only would the airline boost visits between the two countries, but it would also facilitate trade and promote businesses between West and East Africa.

Mr Nikpe recounted the investment the government had made in building the country’s airport into a world-class facility, stressing that, “We cannot invest into building a world-class airport and route, and not participate in it. Last year government set up a committee to come up with a roadmap for a national airline. I am happy to announce that the committee has finished with its work and will soon announce the way forward.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, Mr Ato Girma Wake, said the airline’s entry into Ghana was not simply about transporting passengers but establishing a stronger connectivity network that would allow travellers to move seamlessly between West, East and other parts of Africa.

He said the airline was ready to work with Ghanaian and other African carriers to develop a stronger regional aviation network, stressing that the continent had sufficient passenger traffic to support more African airlines.

“Together we can build a very sound connectivity and can make Africa fully functional as far as aviation is concerned,” he mentioned.

Mr Wake expressed appreciation to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the government for granting the airline the necessary approvals, including fifth-freedom traffic rights, which would enable it to connect passengers through Ghana to other destinations.

The Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the new service represented a significant milestone in Ghana-Uganda relations and demonstrated growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation market.

She said the service would expand travel options, stimulate tourism and cultural exchange, facilitate trade and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Mrs Opare added that the company remained committed to providing the infrastructure and operational support required to ensure efficient and reliable services for Uganda Airlines and other international carriers.

The Director-General of the GCAA said the arrival of Uganda Airlines was a testament to confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry and the country’s growing attractiveness as an aviation hub.

He said the authority would continue to prioritise safety, security and operational efficiency while modernising aviation infrastructure and systems to attract more airlines.

BY CLIFF EKUFUL

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