By Ssenkayi Marvin Ezra
Uganda Airlines has taken a major step toward expanding its international footprint by signing an interline partnership with Air India, one of Asia’s leading carriers. The agreement, effective 25 August 2025, enables passengers of both airlines to enjoy seamless travel across Africa, India, and beyond.
An interline agreement allows two or more airlines to handle passengers on a single itinerary across their combined networks. Travellers can book one ticket covering flights on different carriers, with baggage checked through to the final destination, ensuring smoother connections and reduced check-in formalities.
This arrangement expands network reach without launching new routes, helps fill more seats, boosts revenue, and strengthens partnerships in competitive markets.
Through the partnership, Uganda Airlines passengers can now book a single ticket from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to over 25 destinations in India and key international hubs via Air India’s gateway in Mumbai (BOM).
Uganda Airlines customers gain access to Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Varanasi, as well as international destinations including Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, London Heathrow, and Singapore.
Meanwhile, Air India passengers across India and Asia will have convenient access to Uganda through flights to Entebbe, with onward connections to South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other African destinations on Uganda Airlines’ network.
“We are excited to launch this partnership with Air India, an iconic brand in global aviation,” Uganda Airlines said in a statement. “This agreement is a key step in our strategy to connect Uganda to Africa and beyond, giving our customers a smooth, single-ticket experience to dozens of new destinations while strengthening economic and cultural ties.”
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, added: “We are happy to partner with Uganda Airlines, enhancing connectivity between India and Africa. This partnership offers our customers seamless access to Uganda and Africa, while also welcoming Uganda Airlines’ passengers to explore Air India’s extensive routes.”
For Uganda, the deal could have ripple effects beyond aviation. India is one of Uganda’s largest trading partners, with strong links in pharmaceuticals, technology, and education. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges while positioning Entebbe as a competitive gateway to Africa.
As Uganda Airlines grows its network, partnerships like this underscore its ambition to evolve from a regional carrier into a global player. For Air India, the tie-up offers a strategic entry into East and Central Africa—regions with rising middle classes and untapped tourism potential.
The Uganda Airlines–Air India partnership is more than a commercial agreement; it is a strategic alliance that could reshape Uganda’s role in global travel corridors.