Entebbe, Uganda, 17 October 2025 – Emirates is celebrating 25 years of operations to Uganda, a milestone that shows the importance of East Africa as a region to the airline.
Since its inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has transported over 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights between Dubai and Entebbe, connecting travellers to its global network through Dubai International Airport.
Over the years, Emirates has gradually expanded its operations in Uganda, evolving with growing customer demand. The airline began with three weekly flights linked to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, later introducing direct services to Entebbe in 2007, after demand grew.
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In 2015, Emirates replaced its Airbus A330-200 with the more spacious Boeing 777-200LR, increasing capacity by 12%. Today, the airline operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, remaining the only international airline offering a First-Class cabin on flights to and from Uganda.
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Key Milestones and Achievements
- 2.8 million passengers have been carried since 2000.
- 15,900 flights operated between Dubai and Entebbe.
- 16% increase in passengers on the route since January 2025.
- Boeing 777-300ER remains the only aircraft offering First Class service in and out of Uganda.
- USD $5 billion aircraft retrofit programme enhancing passenger experience.
Supporting Tourism and Communities
For the past two years, Emirates has partnered with the Uganda Tourism Board to boost inbound tourism. The partnership promotes Uganda’s scenery, wildlife, and cultural heritage in key source markets such as the US, China, India, the UK, and the Middle East. This strategy has paid off, with inbound traffic seeing a significant surge this year.
Celebrating the Milestone
To mark the 25th anniversary, Emirates operated a special one-off flight featuring its refurbished four-class Boeing 777.
A tour of the aircraft was held at Entebbe Airport, showcasing the latest aircraft interiors, including the Premium Economy Cabin, introduced in Uganda for the first time. Though, as said, this was just a tour, as the refurbished 777 will not be used on the Uganda route just yet.
South Africa is the first country in Africa to have the retrofitted Boeing 777.
Distinguished guests in attendance included:
- General Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transportation
- Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
- Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ VP Commercial Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda
The event was hosted by Lucy Smize, a popular Ugandan influencer and event MC, adding a touch of local flair to the celebrations.
A Route Dominated by Inbound Tourism
While the Dubai–Entebbe route continues to thrive, much of the growth has been driven by inbound travel to Uganda, rather than Ugandans flying to Dubai.
Uganda’s growing reputation as a top African safari and adventure destination means international visitors are filling more seats than ever before.
Visa restrictions imposed by the UAE have limited outbound travel from Uganda. Although unconfirmed by UAE authorities, many Ugandans have reported challenges obtaining Dubai tourist visas, a situation mirrored in other African countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya.
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In fact, there are reports that Uganda has been put on the list of banned countries to visit the UAE in 2026.
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This has created a unique traffic dynamic — with more tourists from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe flying into Uganda than Ugandans flying out.
Looking Ahead
The aircraft showcased in Entebbe forms part of Emirates’ USD $5 billion retrofit programme, which will see 219 A380s and Boeing 777s upgraded by 2026. To date, 72 aircraft have been refurbished, and more destinations, including Uganda, will soon benefit from the refreshed experience.
