Gov't to revive direct flights to London

Discussions between Uganda and Rwanda's governments to have RwandAir execute direct flights from Entebbe to London have been called off, with Uganda opting for Air Europa.

According to the State Minister, Aggrey Henry Bagiire, the Minister of State for Transport, government decided to halt talks with Rwanda due to what he called "future competition" issues.

"Initially we were in talks with Rwanda to use RwandAir for direct flights to Britain but we have since called off the talks in favour of Air Europa. As you are aware, plans are underway for us to revive our national carrier. So, there would be some sort of competition with RwandAir. That is why we are now talking to Air Europa," he said.

Bagiire was speaking today during discussions on various challenges in the tourism sector at the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting, which was chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, was attended by various ministers, permanent secretaries and representatives of government agencies.

"The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) encourages private airlines with the necessary incentives, including Air Europa, to fly this route. Air Europa has been interested to fly to Uganda," he said, emphasising that re-instating a direct flight to UK.

Air Europa Líneas Aéreas, S.A.U. is an airline in Spain, the third largest after Iberia and Vueling. The airline is headquartered in the Polígono Son Noguera in the Centro Empresarial Globalia in Llucmajor, Majorca, Spain.

In 2015, British Airlines suspended direct flights out of Entebbe Airport to London's Heathrow, a move that government officials say, has cost the tourism sector.