Uganda Airlines has officially launched scheduled flights to Accra, providing a new travel connection between Ghana and Uganda as the carrier expands its operations across Africa.

The service commenced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, linking Entebbe International Airport in Uganda with Accra through Lagos, Nigeria. Flights will operate four times a week, offering travellers an additional option for business, tourism and family visits between East and West Africa.

The inaugural flight was welcomed by aviation officials in Ghana, including representatives of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), as both countries look to strengthen commercial and transport relations.

The launch was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport and independently reported by Ghanaian and regional news organisations.

New flights connect Accra, Lagos and Entebbe

The new route will operate using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, initially supplied through a leasing arrangement with Ethiopian Airlines.

Although the service is described as a direct connection between Ghana and Uganda, it is not a nonstop flight. Aircraft travelling between Entebbe and Accra will make an intermediate stop in Lagos before continuing to their destination.

This arrangement allows Uganda Airlines to build on its existing operations in Nigeria while introducing Ghana to its growing network.

For passengers travelling between Accra and Entebbe, the service offers an alternative to itineraries that require changing aircraft at other regional aviation hubs.

The airline’s published initial schedule provides four weekly services. Passengers are advised to check the latest departure times, fares and booking conditions before travelling, as airline schedules can change.

Ghana welcomes new airline operations

Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, welcomed the introduction of Uganda Airlines to the Ghanaian market, describing the development as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s aviation industry.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, also welcomed the airline during the inaugural flight activities on 27 October.

The arrival gives passengers another choice in a market already served by established African carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and RwandAir.

Greater competition could encourage airlines to improve their services and introduce more competitive fares. However, any sustained reduction in ticket prices will depend on passenger demand, operating costs and responses from competing carriers.

The new route also supports Ghana’s wider ambition to strengthen its position as an important aviation and commercial gateway in West Africa.

Trade and tourism opportunities for both countries

Ugandan officials have identified trade, investment and tourism as major reasons for introducing the Accra service.

Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, said improved air connectivity would help businesses and travellers move more conveniently between African markets.

He also highlighted the importance of reducing lengthy travel arrangements that previously required passengers to connect through other countries.

Uganda expects the connection to support exports of agricultural and manufactured products, including coffee, tea, fruits, edible oil and pharmaceuticals.

For Ghanaian businesses, improved passenger and potential cargo connections could create opportunities to explore commercial relationships with Ugandan suppliers, distributors and investors.

However, the economic benefits will depend on whether businesses use the route, whether cargo capacity meets demand and how affordable the service remains over time.

The airline has also identified tourism as an important opportunity. Ghanaian travellers will have another option for visiting Uganda, while Ugandan visitors may find it easier to travel to Ghana for tourism, business and cultural activities.

Strengthening connections under AfCFTA

The development comes as African countries continue efforts to improve regional trade and economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ghana hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, making improved transport links particularly relevant to discussions about reducing barriers to trade across the continent.

Although trade agreements can lower regulatory and tariff barriers, businesses still require dependable transport services to move people and goods between markets.

Additional air connections can help address some of these difficulties, particularly for business travellers and time-sensitive cargo.

Uganda Airlines has identified Accra as an important destination in its West African expansion. The carrier already serves Nigerian destinations and intends to develop Entebbe as a connecting hub for passengers travelling across Africa and to destinations beyond the continent.

The new service could therefore benefit travellers heading to destinations other than Uganda, depending on available connections through Entebbe.

What passengers should know about fares

According to the official announcement issued by Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport, introductory return fares for the Accra route start at approximately US$550.

This is an advertised starting fare rather than a guaranteed price for every journey. Actual ticket costs may vary depending on travel dates, availability, taxes, booking conditions and airline pricing.

Passengers should confirm the total fare directly with Uganda Airlines or an authorised travel agent.

The route’s introduction does not mean that airfares between Ghana and East Africa will automatically decrease. It does, however, provide another option for travellers comparing flights, schedules and travel costs.

For now, the confirmed development is the commencement of four weekly flights between Entebbe and Accra via Lagos. Whether the airline increases frequencies or introduces separate services in the future will depend on demand and its commercial plans.

The route is already operational following its 27 October launch, giving Ghana and Uganda an additional aviation link as both countries pursue closer trade, tourism and economic relations.