Uganda Airlines is struggling to keep its flight schedule on track because it does not have enough aircraft available to operate its network, a situation that has pushed the national carrier into an operational crisis at one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
At the centre of the problem is a reduced fleet. The airline normally relies on a small number of aircraft to serve both regional and long-haul routes, meaning that any technical setback quickly affects the entire system.
According to Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki, two planes are currently out of service due to technical faults, leaving the airline operating with significantly limited capacity.
One of the grounded aircraft is an Airbus A330 Neo, a wide-body plane that is crucial for long-haul flights. This aircraft is currently stuck in Lagos, Nigeria, after developing a technical problem and cannot be used until the required parts are sourced and installed. The airline is working with the manufacturer to resolve the issue, but until the aircraft returns to service, long-distance operations remain under strain.
The second grounded aircraft is a CRJ, which is typically used on regional routes. Its absence has further reduced scheduling flexibility, forcing the airline to make difficult choices about which flights to operate. With fewer planes available, Uganda Airlines has been compelled to combine some flights and delay others, creating a ripple effect across its timetable.
These fleet challenges have been made worse by operational factors beyond the airline’s control. Unexpected Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) have disrupted flight timings, in some cases causing delays that result in aircraft arriving after destination airports have closed. When this happens, flights must be postponed, adding to passenger inconvenience and congestion at departure points.
The crisis became most visible over the festive travel season, when passenger numbers surged and delays and cancellations piled up at Entebbe International Airport. Travellers were left stranded or forced to wait for extended periods as the airline struggled to adjust its schedule with limited resources.
Bamuturaki has also sought to clear up public speculation about the fleet situation. Reports suggesting that a second Airbus A330 was stranded in London were incorrect, she said, explaining that the aircraft was in normal operation and due to land shortly.
