Uganda Airlines has recorded remarkable growth since resuming commercial operations in 2019, with annual revenue rising from US$10.3 million in the 2019/20 financial year to US$116.2 million in FY2024/25, representing a 62.4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

The performance was highlighted during a meeting between Ministers from the Ministry of Works and Transport led by State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, accompanied by Hon. Ali and Hon. Mawanda, and the top leadership of Uganda Airlines headed by Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake.

During the meeting, the airline's management briefed the ministers on its operational performance, ongoing expansion strategy, and long-term plans aimed at strengthening Uganda's national carrier.

The ministers applauded Uganda Airlines for its steady progress.

Strong Growth Since Revival

According to figures presented during the briefing, Uganda Airlines has transported more than 1.7 million passengers over the last six years while expanding its network to 16 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

The airline has also maintained one of the continent's youngest fleets, earning the Africa's Youngest Fleet Award for six consecutive years.

Officials revealed that the airline plans to increase its fleet from the current aircraft to 16 aircraft by the 2030s, with additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners already on order to support long-haul operations.

As part of its network expansion strategy, Uganda Airlines is also preparing to launch new scheduled services to Accra, Ghana, and Kigali, Rwanda, further strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade, tourism and investment.

Strategic Role in Uganda's Economy

Government continues to view Uganda Airlines as a strategic national asset that supports tourism, exports, business travel and Uganda's broader economic transformation agenda.

Earlier this year, government appointed renowned aviation executive Girma Wake, the former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive, as Acting CEO to strengthen management and guide the airline through its next phase of growth. The airline has also reported a reduction in its financial losses while increasing its market share at Entebbe International Airport, signalling gradual progress toward long-term sustainability.

Since its revival in 2019, Uganda Airlines has steadily expanded its international footprint, introducing direct services that reduce travel time for Ugandans while positioning Entebbe International Airport as an emerging regional aviation hub.

Industry observers say the planned fleet expansion and introduction of additional long-haul aircraft will enable the national carrier to open more destinations, improve cargo capacity and compete more effectively with established regional airlines.

With passenger numbers rising, revenues growing and new destinations in the pipeline, Uganda Airlines appears focused on strengthening its position as one of Africa's fastest-growing national carriers while supporting Uganda's ambitions of becoming a regional trade, tourism and transport hub.