Dubai-based flydubai’s inaugural flights to Entebbe and Bujumbura landed and were welcomed with traditional water cannon salutes and official delegations. flydubai’s delegation was headed by Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai Chief Commercial Officer, and Sudhir Sreedharan, flydubai Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa), and at Entebbe International Airport they were greeted by Abraham Byandala, Uganda’s Minister for Works and Transportation, and John Okalany, General Manager for Entebbe Airport. At Bujumbura International Airport, flydubai’s delegation was met by Ciza Virginia, Minister of Transport, Public Works and Equipment, and was entertained by African dancers. With the launch of daily direct flights to Entebbe, two onward flights a week to Kigali and three onward flights a week to Bujumbura, coupled with the recent announcement of three new routes in Tanzania, flydubai has doubled its presence in Africa to 12 destinations. In addition, the airline offers Business Class and cargo services on each of these new routes. Commenting on the launch of the Entebbe route, flydubai CCO Hamad Obaidalla said: “We are delighted to be flying to Entebbe, one of Africa’s leading commercial centres. With daily flights offering the choice of economy and business class, we will facilitate the flow of tourism and business between Uganda and the UAE.” At Bujumbura Obaidalla said: “We believe the rich biodiversity of Burundi will attract tourists from around our network and that the more than 80 destinations we operate to offer a great opportunity for this country to strengthen its trade ties.” flydubai becomes the first national carrier from the UAE to fly to Rwanda and Burundi, underlining its commitment to opening up underserved markets. Its first flight to Kigali, Rwanda was on 27 September.