Emirates Marks 25 Years of Flights to Uganda

Emirates Marks 25 Years of Operations to Uganda

Emirates is celebrating its 25th anniversary of flights to Uganda. Since the inaugural flight in 2000, the airline has transported 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights, connecting Uganda to its global network through Dubai.

Over the years, Emirates has expanded its operations to Entebbe in response to passenger demand. The service initially operated three times a week, connecting through Nairobi and later Addis Ababa, before becoming a direct service in 2007. In 2015, Emirates introduced the Boeing 777-200LR, which replaced the Airbus A330-200 and increased seat capacity by 12%. Today, Emirates operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, making it the only international airline offering a First Class cabin to and from Entebbe.

For the past two years, Emirates has collaborated with the Uganda Tourism Board to support inbound tourism, highlighting the country’s landscapes, wildlife, adventure sports, and culture. Since January 2025, Emirates has observed a 16% increase in passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route, with key traffic from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand, and the Middle East.

Community Engagement

Emirates has also invested in Ugandan communities. In September 2024, the ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme raised 587,485,310 UGX to support infrastructure and sports facilities at North Road Primary School, known for rugby, football, and netball. Contributions included a rugby pitch with 2,000-capacity bleachers, 16 solar-powered water stations, and donations of sports equipment.

Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda, said, “Uganda is an important market for Emirates. Over the past 25 years, we have built strong ties with customers, partners, and stakeholders by investing in our operations. We are committed to connecting international travellers to Uganda and providing access for Ugandans to explore the world.”

Anniversary Flight

To mark the milestone, Emirates operated a one-off flight to Entebbe using a refreshed four-class Boeing 777. This was followed by a static tour showcasing its latest cabin designs, including the Premium Economy cabin, introduced in Uganda for the first time. Guests from Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors attended, including General Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, and Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

The event highlighted Emirates’ ongoing USD 5 billion aircraft retrofit programme, which is updating 219 A380s and Boeing 777s with refreshed interiors. To date, 72 aircraft have been completed, with work continuing through 2026 and beyond to ensure all Emirates destinations, including Uganda, are served by the upgraded aircraft.