Malawi Airlines has announced it will begin direct flights between Entebbe, Uganda and Lilongwe, Malawi, starting on December 15, 2025.
The service will operate four times a week — on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays — using a Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
“This strategic route is designed to enhance regional connectivity and foster stronger ties in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Malawi and Uganda, as well as the broader Eastern and Southern Africa region,” the airline said in a November 15 news release.
The airline also says the connection offers “convenient access to onward connections via Lilongwe” to destinations such as Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka.
Flight ET52 will depart Lilongwe at 4:20pm and arrive in Entebbe at 7:45pm, while the return flight, ET53, leaves Entebbe at 6:15am and lands in Lilongwe at 7:40am (on its scheduled operating days).
Passengers can now book through Malawi Airlines’ website, mobile app, sales offices, or authorised agents with their main contacts at Park Royal Mall along Buganda Road in Kampala.
This expansion builds on Malawi Airlines’ gradual regional growth. The carrier was founded in 2014 as a joint venture between the Government of Malawi (51 percent) and Ethiopian Airlines (49 percent) with the latter having a management contract.
Over time, it has focused on serving key regional routes, connecting Lilongwe and Blantyre domestically and flying to major cities like Nairobi, Lusaka, Harare, Johannesburg, and Dar es Salaam.
Departure and Arrival Times:
The airline’s fleet remains relatively small but modern. It operates a Boeing 737-800, a Boeing 737-700, and a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 turboprop — a mix that supports both its regional and domestic services.
Malawi Airlines has faced financial challenges in the past, but the government opted to recapitalise rather than shut it down. The airline turned its first annual profit in 2022, reflecting a gradual turnaround and renewed confidence in its business model.
By adding the Entebbe–Lilongwe route, Malawi Airlines is not only tapping into a key regional market but also leveraging its lean fleet and strategic partnerships to expand its footprint.
Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main international gateway, and its importance continues to grow.
In August 2025, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority reported record-breaking passenger and cargo numbers. The airport recorded 243,089 international passengers - including 116,507 arrivals and 126,582 departures.
About 23 airlines operate at Entebbe, serving over 30 international destinations. Among the African carriers active at Entebbe are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Air Tanzania — making the entry of Malawi Airlines a meaningful addition to the network.
The new route underscores Malawi Airlines’ ambition to plug into a growing regional aviation hub, while also enhancing cross-border trade and travel between Malawi and Uganda.
