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Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

UGANDA Airlines today introduced flights between Harare and Entebbe following growth in air transport demand between the two countries.

It is expected that frequent flights between the two destinations will stimulate bilateral trade.

About 9 000 passengers travel between the two destinations, with the volume expected to grow.

Although Harare is the immediate target route, Uganda Airlines also intends to service the Entebbe-Lusaka-Bulawayo and Entebbe-Lusaka-Victoria Falls routes.

Today, a delegation from Uganda Airlines was received at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa and other senior Government officials.

The delegation included Ugandan Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama, Minister of Finance, Planning Economic Development Matia Kasaija, and Uganda Airlines board chairperson Mrs Serukka Priscilla Mirembe.

According to Uganda Airlines, the company will also tap into the heavy traffic between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

A return flight from Harare to Entebbe will cost between US$500 and US$600.

Venturing into the Zimbabwe route is part of Uganda Airlines’ broader plan to expand its route network into the region.

Besides passengers, the airline is also looking at cargo transportation given the volume of cargo between the two destinations.

More than 20 foreign airlines are flying into Zimbabwe, largely attracted by growing passenger numbers to and from the destination, a growing economy, peace and tranquility, vibrant tourism and the Government’s open skies policy.

Some of the international airlines servicing Zimbabwe include Ethiopian Airways, South African Airways, Qatar, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Euro Wings, BA Comair, Air Link, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Malawi Airways Fastjet and Mark Air.