Uganda Airlines and Airlink Sign Interline Agreement to Enhance Connectivity Between East and Southern Africa, Boosting Accessibility and Regional Tourism Growth

Published on November 26, 2025

Uganda Airlines and Airlink signed an interline agreement on November 24, 2025, in a significant move to boost regional connectivity across East Africa and Southern Africa. This partnership allows for single-ticket itineraries and through-check-in between Entebbe and over 45 destinations across South Africa and the wider Southern Africa region via Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

By connecting Uganda Airlines’ network with Airlink’s regional schedule, the agreement enhances tourism options for both local and international visitors by simplifying travel and making various connections between the two regions more efficient. This partnership comes during a time when both East and Southern Africa are working on increasing tourism recovery and cross-border travels in this post-pandemic period.

Opening New Tourism Routes: Boosting Cross-Border Travel Between East and Southern Africa

The partnership opens up exciting new possibilities for tourists traveling between East Africa and Southern Africa, facilitating easy access to key tourism destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Gaborone. These destinations, known for their natural beauty, adventure tourism, and cultural offerings, will be more accessible for travelers who previously faced logistical challenges when planning multi-country itineraries.

For example, visitors to Uganda can now easily connect with Southern African destinations, known for their world-class wildlife safaris, beaches, and heritage sites, opening up opportunities for combined travel experiences that appeal to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural tourists. Likewise, Southern African tourists now have a more seamless route to Uganda, known for its wildlife, including mountain gorillas, and its rich cultural heritage.

Enhancing Tourism Flow and Trade Between Uganda and Southern Africa

The collaboration between Uganda Airlines and Airlink will help to streamline travel between Southern Africa and Uganda, benefiting both the tourism sector and trade flows. With reciprocal access to the airports, passengers traveling from either region will experience smoother transitions with baggage checked to the final destination, eliminating the need for separate bookings in Johannesburg. This improved connectivity enhances the overall travel experience, ensuring that tourists can focus more on enjoying their visit rather than managing complex travel logistics.

For Uganda, the agreement is expected to boost inbound tourism by making the country’s unique wildlife and cultural attractions more accessible to Southern African tourists. At the same time, Southern African countries will see an uptick in visitors, especially from Uganda and neighboring East African countries, thanks to easier connections to key South African hubs.

Supporting Regional Tourism Development and Economic Growth

The tourism impact of the Uganda Airlines-Airlink partnership goes beyond just improving transportation options; it also supports broader economic growth in both regions. Tourism is a key economic driver for both Uganda and Southern Africa, contributing significantly to local economies through job creation, spending on local services, and the development of tourism infrastructure.

As tourism flows increase, local businesses in both regions—such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators—will benefit from the increased demand for services. Increased tourism also stimulates investment in eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices, which are central to the development of both East and Southern Africa’s tourism industries. As more tourists travel between these regions, the partnership will help strengthen local economies and create new opportunities for both travel-related businesses and communities.

Fostering Multi-Country Tourism Experiences and Cross-Border Cultural Exchanges

For tourists, the collaboration provides more flexible travel options that encourage multi-country visits, promoting cultural exchange and regional exploration. Visitors can now experience the best of both worlds—Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and Southern Africa’s iconic landscapes, all in one seamless journey.

This cross-border tourism initiative offers a unique opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures and natural wonders that both Uganda and Southern Africa have to offer. The availability of easy connections between key tourism hubs encourages regional travel itineraries, benefiting both international tourists and local populations.

Strengthening Southern Africa’s Position as a Global Tourism Hub

The partnership between Uganda Airlines and Airlink is also a step toward reinforcing Southern Africa’s position as a global tourism hub. Southern Africa, known for its wildlife safaris, beaches, and mountain ranges, continues to attract travelers from around the world. By improving regional air connectivity, the new agreement makes it easier for international travelers to visit Southern Africa, while also increasing the global visibility of Uganda as an emerging tourism destination.

Through initiatives like these, Southern Africa’s tourism sector stands to benefit from a more connected, integrated tourism network, allowing it to attract more international tourists and become a stronger player in the global tourism industry.

A New Era of Regional Tourism Cooperation Between Uganda and Southern Africa

The interline agreement between Uganda Airlines and Airlink opens new avenues for regional tourism growth and strengthens the tourism sectors of both Uganda and Southern Africa. Improved travel connectivity through the partnership shall foster easier experiences of different cultures and scenic landscapes, translating to economic opportunities and sustainable tourism growth.

This cooperation will serve as a model for cross-border cooperation in the tourism industry, assisting in nurturing closer cultural ties and more inclusive, diverse travel experiences throughout the continent as Uganda and Southern Africa continue to develop their tourism products. Both regions are poised for significant gains in tourism flows, with easier connections and wider ranges of tourism experiences, further contributing to long-term economic success.

Image Source: Uganda Airlines