Air Serv Launches Scheduled Entebbe–Arua Flights to Boost Trade and Tourism

Air Serv Launches Scheduled Entebbe–Arua Flights to Boost Trade and Tourism

Air Serv has launched scheduled passenger flights between Entebbe and Arua, expanding Uganda's domestic aviation network and improving connectivity to the West Nile sub-region, with the airline eyeing further expansion into South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda's domestic aviation industry has received a boost following the launch of Air Serv's scheduled passenger flights between Entebbe International Airport and Arua, a move expected to strengthen tourism, trade and regional connectivity in the West Nile sub-region.

The launch positions Air Serv among the few domestic airlines operating the Entebbe–Arua route, offering faster access for investors, business travellers and tourists to one of Uganda's most strategic commercial regions.

Speaking during the launch, Air Serv Director of Marketing and Client Care Robinah Nalumu said the airline will initially operate four weekly flights departing Entebbe every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The service will begin with a 12-seater aircraft operated by Captain James Lwanga, with additional aircraft expected to join the fleet in September.

"We have been, and continue to operate, chartered flights to South Sudan through the World Food Programme. The additional aircraft arriving in September will strengthen our scheduled flight operations," Nalumu said.

She added that Air Serv plans to launch scheduled flights to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in September, building on its experience in humanitarian and charter aviation.

The Arua route is expected to serve as a gateway to neighbouring markets. Located in Uganda's northwestern region, Arua has become an important commercial hub because of its proximity to South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, making it attractive to cross-border traders and investors.

Air Serv official Edgar Mwogere said the new service will improve regional trade and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

"Arua is regarded as the main hub for West Nile, making it a viable destination for investment," Mwogere said.

The route is also expected to support Uganda's tourism sector. Air Serv already operates charter flights to several national parks, and the scheduled service is expected to make travel easier for both domestic and international tourists.

Local leaders welcomed the development, saying increased competition could improve accessibility and reduce domestic airfares.

Arua Central Division Mayor Seyyid Baguma said Air Serv's entry into the market could lower ticket prices by increasing competition.

Ayivu Division Mayor Malon Avutia said Arua's strategic location makes it an ideal aviation gateway.

"It takes less than 30 minutes by road to travel from Arua to either South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo," Avutia said.

Figures from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) underscore both the opportunities and challenges in Uganda's domestic aviation sector.

Patrick Olum, UCAA's Senior Aeronautical Information Management Officer at Arua Airfield, said the aerodrome handles an average of 20 flights each week. Although more than 20 companies are licensed to conduct domestic operations, fewer than 10 currently operate scheduled services on the Entebbe–Arua route.

With the launch of the Arua service, Air Serv joins active domestic carriers including Bar Aviation, Kampala Executive Aviation (KEA), Asante Aviation, Eagle Air and AeroLink.

Industry players say reducing operating costs would make domestic air travel more affordable, increase passenger numbers and encourage airlines to expand their route networks.

For West Nile, Air Serv's entry signals growing confidence in the region's economic potential while strengthening Uganda's domestic aviation network and improving access to a region increasingly recognised as a gateway for tourism, trade and investment in East and Central Africa.