Jambojet is preparing to reconnect Nairobi and Entebbe, marking the return of one of East Africa’s key regional air links as the airline accelerates its post-pandemic growth strategy. The low-cost carrier plans to resume flights to Uganda’s main international gateway after suspending the route during the COVID-19 pandemic, signalling renewed confidence in regional travel demand and cross-border business.
The Entebbe service forms part of Jambojet’s broader regional expansion, which also includes plans to launch flights to Dar es Salaam. According to the airline’s management, the two routes will be supported by fleet growth, with additional aircraft expected to join the airline by the end of 2026 and early 2027.
Industry insiders believe the wait for Jambojet’s return to Entebbe may not be as long as previously anticipated. Contacts close to discussions within the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) say momentum is building around the route’s relaunch, with expectations that services could resume sooner than earlier projections. Jambojet has not officially revised its schedule.
A Return to an Important Regional Market
Entebbe holds special significance for Jambojet. The route became the airline’s first international destination when it was launched in 2018, providing travellers with an affordable alternative between Kenya and Uganda. Operations were later suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic as airlines worldwide adjusted their networks in response to unprecedented travel restrictions.
Its return reflects the steady recovery of regional aviation and growing demand for affordable travel within the East African Community (EAC), where business, tourism and family travel continue to drive passenger traffic.
Fleet Expansion Driving Growth
The resumption of Entebbe flights is being made possible by Jambojet’s ongoing fleet expansion programme.
Earlier this year, the airline added its eleventh De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, increasing its operational capacity and allowing it to strengthen domestic frequencies while laying the groundwork for regional growth. The airline expects to receive another aircraft by September 2026 and an additional one by March 2027, providing the capacity required to support both the Entebbe and Dar es Salaam routes.
Looking further ahead, Jambojet has outlined ambitious plans to significantly expand its fleet over the next five years as it pursues new domestic and regional opportunities.
Strengthening East African Connectivity
The Nairobi–Entebbe corridor remains one of the busiest regional air routes in East Africa, supporting government travel, trade, tourism, education and investment between Kenya and Uganda.
Jambojet’s return will provide travellers with additional choice in a market currently served by several carriers, while reinforcing competition on fares and schedules. Increased connectivity is also expected to benefit regional tourism by making multi-country itineraries easier to plan and more affordable for leisure and business travellers alike.
For travel agents, the additional capacity creates opportunities to package Kenya and Uganda together, combining attractions such as Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park into seamless East African itineraries.
A Positive Signal for Kenya’s Aviation Sector
Jambojet’s regional expansion comes at a time when Kenya’s aviation industry continues to recover strongly, supported by rising passenger demand and increased investment in airline capacity.
The airline has already used its expanded fleet to increase frequencies on key domestic routes, including Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and Ukunda, strengthening connectivity within Kenya while preparing for international growth.
As East Africa becomes increasingly integrated through trade, tourism and investment, the restoration of the Entebbe route represents more than the return of a flight—it is another step toward rebuilding regional connectivity and creating new opportunities for travellers, tourism businesses and the wider economy.
