Regional low-cost carrier Jambojet will return to Uganda on October 1, 2026, reopening the Nairobi-Entebbe route after a six-year break in a move expected to boost passenger, tourism and cargo traffic between the two East African markets.
The airline made the announcement Thursday during a stakeholder engagement at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, attended by representatives from the travel and tourism industry, government, trade, corporate organisations and the media.
Jambojet will offer daily flights between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Entebbe International Airport, complemented by cargo and parcel services.
The restored connection will give travellers more options on one of East Africa’s key regional air corridors, while Ugandan passengers will be able to connect through Nairobi to destinations served by Jambojet, including Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Lamu.
Karanja Ndegwa, Jambojet’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said the decision to restore the route reflects the airline’s ambition to deepen regional connectivity.
“Our return to Uganda is a strategic step forward in our mission to strengthen regional connectivity. We see significant opportunities to support business, tourism and trade between Kenya and Uganda while providing travellers with affordable, reliable and convenient flying experience that Jambojet is known for,” Ndegwa said.
The airline said one-way fares will start at about $170, while cargo and parcel services will provide additional capacity for businesses moving goods between the two countries.
Jambojet estimates that about 300,000 passengers will travel between Kenya and Uganda in 2026, pointing to continued demand for the Nairobi-Entebbe air corridor.
Irene Nanyombi, Chairperson of the Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA), welcomed the airline’s return, describing it as timely for the region’s travel and tourism industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Jambojet back to Uganda. The resumption of this service comes at an opportune time, as we continue to strengthen travel, trade and tourism opportunities across the region,” Nanyombi said.
Jambojet entered the Ugandan market in 2018 but suspended its regional operations following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline subsequently concentrated on strengthening its domestic network in Kenya.
Its return to Entebbe comes as the carrier expands its operational capacity. In April, Jambojet increased its active fleet to 11 De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft and celebrated carrying more than 10 million passengers since commencing operations in 2014.
The airline recorded an on-time performance of 86.45% in July, a measure that underscores its focus on operational reliability as it expands its network.
The Nairobi-Entebbe service is also expected to support the movement of time-sensitive goods and parcels, strengthening the commercial link between Uganda and Kenya.
Jambojet’s Nairobi network currently includes Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Ukunda and Lamu, while the airline also operates selected services from its secondary hub in Mombasa.
The airline, which operates as a low-cost carrier, says its expansion strategy is aimed at making air travel more accessible while responding to growing demand for intra-African connectivity.
