Jambo Jet, a Kenyan low-cost carrier, has resumed flights to Uganda's Entebbe International Airport, eight years after launching its first international route to the country. The airline initially flew to Entebbe in 2018 but suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Patricia Ithau, chairperson of the Jambo Jet board, the airline's return to Uganda is driven by strong demand and significant opportunities in the market.
Ithau emphasized that Uganda holds a special place for Jambo Jet, as it was the airline's first international route. Since its initial operations in Uganda, Jambo Jet has undergone substantial transformation, expanding its fleet and network to carry over 10 million passengers. The airline's return to Entebbe is part of its broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and link people, businesses, and opportunities across East Africa.
The resumption of flights between Entebbe and Nairobi is expected to boost economic and social ties between Uganda and Kenya, with businesses operating across the border and families traveling between the two countries. Through Nairobi, Ugandan travelers will also be able to connect to Jambo Jet's growing network across Kenya, including the coast. Ithau noted that the airline aims to attract more Kenyans to Uganda for business, tourism, and investment.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has welcomed Jambo Jet's return, citing the airline's stronger form and the authority's commitment to supporting airlines operating in Uganda. According to Fred Bamwesigye, director general of UCAA, the authority is focused on developing airport infrastructure and growing the aviation industry. Passenger traffic through Uganda's aviation sector has continued to grow, reaching 2.48 million passengers.
The return of Jambo Jet is expected to contribute to further growth in passenger traffic, with Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba highlighting the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Improved air connectivity is seen as a key factor in strengthening trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Uganda and Kenya. Namwamba emphasized the importance of sharing prosperity and cooperation in the region.
Uganda remains Kenya's largest export destination globally and one of Kenya's important regional tourism markets. Over 225,000 Ugandan visitors traveled to Kenya last year, demonstrating the scale of movement between the two countries. The new Jambo Jet flights will offer affordable, reliable, and safe travel options for families, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
Ugandan Minister of State for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama noted that Kenya remains one of Uganda's most important trading partners and a key gateway to regional and global markets. The Entebbe-Nairobi route is one of the most competitive routes and among the top three destinations for passengers departing Uganda. Byamukama emphasized the importance of stronger air links in reducing barriers to movement and creating opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and innovation.
Key points
- Jambo Jet resumes flights to Entebbe International Airport after an eight-year hiatus
- The airline cites strong demand and significant opportunities in the Ugandan market
- The return of Jambo Jet is expected to boost economic and social ties between Uganda and Kenya
