Jambojet has resumed direct flights between Nairobi and Entebbe, reopening a route that had been suspended for several years and giving travellers between Kenya and Uganda another air travel option.
The low-cost carrier operated its first flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Entebbe International Airport on Thursday, marking its return to the Ugandan market.
Jambojet Chief Executive Officer Karanja Ndegwa said the airline’s return comes at a time when movement between the two countries remains important for business, tourism and trade.
“We see significant opportunities to support business, tourism and trade between Kenya and Uganda while providing travellers with an affordable, reliable and convenient flying experience,” Ndegwa said.
Jambojet had previously operated the Nairobi-Entebbe route before suspending the service in 2019, after about two years. The airline said the break gave it an opportunity to gain more experience while the aviation industry went through major disruption during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The revived service will operate daily, connecting the two cities directly without requiring passengers to travel by road or use connecting flights.
The route is also expected to benefit travellers connecting through Nairobi to other Kenyan destinations. Jambojet operates domestic services to several tourist and business destinations, including Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Lamu.
Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei welcomed the return, saying the government would support efforts to make the route sustainable.
The connection is expected to serve a wide range of travellers, including tourists, business people, families and passengers travelling for regional events and conferences.
Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba also welcomed the resumption, noting that demand for travel between Kenya and Uganda remained strong. He encouraged Jambojet to use the return to strengthen its services and give travellers more choice.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika said the government was continuing with improvements at JKIA as it works to improve the passenger experience.
She urged Jambojet to monitor demand and consider increasing the number of flights if passenger numbers rise. Mbaika also called for better customer service as the airline rebuilds its presence on the route.
The Nairobi-Entebbe connection comes as Kenya and Uganda continue to maintain close economic and tourism ties. The two countries share a busy border and significant movement of people and goods, making reliable transport links important for businesses and travellers.
For Jambojet, the return to Entebbe expands its presence beyond Kenya’s domestic market and gives passengers another option for travelling between the two East African capitals.
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