Africa–India travel gets lift as Uganda Airlines, Air India Interline takes off

September 17, 2025 in Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Uganda Airlines and Air India have signed an interline partnership that expands travel options between Africa and India, allowing seamless single-ticket connections through Mumbai to more than 25 Indian cities and key Asian hubs. The deal also opens up Uganda Airlines’ African network to Air India passengers, deepening economic and cultural ties between the two regions.

Uganda Airlines and Air India have announced an interline agreement that expands travel options between Africa, India, and key Asian hubs, a move that significantly enhances connectivity and customer convenience.

The agreement, effective since August 25, enables passengers to book single-ticket itineraries across both carriers’ networks. Uganda Airlines customers can now connect seamlessly from Entebbe via Mumbai (BOM) to more than 25 Indian cities — including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi — as well as international hubs such as Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, and Singapore.

For Air India’s passengers, the deal opens up Uganda and onward links to Uganda Airlines’ growing African network, including South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The partnership also gives Air India travelers a new gateway into East Africa through Entebbe, positioning Uganda as a key transit point for business, tourism, and trade.

Uganda Airlines, which launched its nonstop service to Mumbai in October 2023, has been steadily growing its international footprint. The partnership with Air India marks its most significant Asian expansion to date. Although Air India flies to Africa, its operations have been limited to the eastern seaboard.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Air India, an iconic brand in global aviation,” said Jenifer Bamuturaki, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines. “This interline agreement is a significant step in our strategy to connect Uganda to Africa and beyond. It provides our customers with a smooth, single-ticket travel experience to dozens of new destinations, strengthening economic and cultural ties between our regions.”

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, echoed the sentiment: “We are happy to partner with Uganda Airlines, expanding connectivity between India and Africa. This collaboration not only gives our customers seamless access to Uganda and its extended network across Africa, but also welcomes Uganda Airlines customers to explore Air India’s extensive network within India and beyond.”

The deal  is  a big boost for Uganda Airlines, whose prospects in the Indian market have been hampered by its inability to provide lift beyond Mumbai, while Air India passengers get an alternative passage into the African hinterland.