Rwandair has taken over the Kigali-Entebbe route previously operated by Air Uganda. This follows the temporary suspension of flights into Kigali International Airport by the Ugandan-based airline, which opted to operate the route under a code share with RwandAir, airline officials have said.

According to Rebecca Asiimwe, the Air Uganda airport supervisor in Kigali, the new arrangement that started this month aims at reducing operational costs as well as enabling the airline to strengthen its visibility on the Entebbe-Mogadishu route. 

"We thought that it was wise to operate through a code share agreement we signed with RwandAir last year and instead focus on other routes until we have sufficient aircraft for all the routes,” Asiimwe said. 

"Our passengers will still receive the same services through RwandAir as per code share arrangement.”

Tony Barigye, the Rwanda Civil Aviation communication officer, confirmed the development, saying the sector watchdog was notified about the arrangement by both airlines. 

The move means that about 337 passengers that hitherto travelled with Air Uganda daily on the Entebbe-Kigali route will be flying with RwandAir until the airline resumes operations.

Commenting on the development, John Mirenge, the RwandAir chief executive officer, said the arrangement will allow the airlines continue to market their destination on their tickets as usual.

"A revenue sharing deal has been agreed...The initiative will ensure resource optimisation for both airlines,” Mirenge added.  

Air Uganda’s move follows South African Airways decision to also operate Johannesburg-Kigali route under a similar arrangement a few months ago.