Saudia strengthens in Africa by launching direct flights to Entebbe, Uganda
Labour exports and bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Uganda are set to gain momentum with the opening of a direct air link between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia and Uganda are getting a little closer by air. Indeed, the flag bearer of the Persian Gulf country inaugurated on Wednesday 2 February a direct line between the main financial centre of Saudi Arabia, Riyah and Entebbe. This new connection makes Uganda the 7th African country served by Saudia.
In the process, Saudia becomes the first airline to operate direct flights between the two destinations. The inaugural flight SV491 landed at Entebbe International Airport at 7.17am local time with 300 passengers on board an Airbus A330-300.
The airline will now operate two weekly rotations - Mondays and Wednesdays - between the two countries with the model aircraft having a total capacity of 330 seats - 30 seats in Business Class and 300 in Economy Class.
According to Mr. Vianney Luggya, spokesperson for the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Saudi Airlines also becomes one of 17 international airlines to operate in Entebbe. "Every time a new operator comes in, it is a vote of confidence in the country's aviation systems. We hope that their arrival on board will help increase passenger traffic which has been growing over the years," he told reporters. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, about 21% of passenger traffic at Entebbe airport comes from the Middle East.
The third largest carrier in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Emirates and Qatar Airways, Saudia used to operate international flights to six African countries namely Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya.
