A wave of flight disruptions stretching from Munich to Madrid has laid bare the immense pressure on global aviation, a scenario not unfamiliar to Ugandan travellers.
Of late, Uganda Airlines has come under criticism for flight delays and cancellations, but Jennifer Bamuturaki, Uganda Airlines CEO, says such operational hurdles are, regrettably, a worldwide seasonal phenomenon.
Bamuturaki notes that while the airline strives for seamless operations, global disruptions are an industry-wide challenge during this period.
“We are acutely aware of the inconvenience caused to our valued passengers when schedules are interrupted,” Bamuturaki says.
“While we at Uganda Airlines do not, of course, enjoy the disruptions caused by flight cancellations and delays, it is important to note that this is not a new or isolated situation. At this time of the year, when many people are travelling, airports and airlines across the globe, from Europe to Africa, experience significant operational pressures.”
Data from European flight monitoring agencies paints a stark picture, with more than 4,145 delayed flights and 40 cancellations across the continent’s major hubs.
Airports in Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Oslo were among the hardest hit, with brutal winter weather compounding staffing and logistical challenges, leaving travellers stranded in terminals.
The European meltdown saw staggering figures: Paris Charles de Gaulle recorded 467 delays, Frankfurt 328, and Amsterdam Schiphol 298. Even airports with few cancellations, like Munich and Madrid, grappled with hundreds of delayed flights, causing a ripple effect on connections worldwide.
“For Ugandan travellers and those using Entebbe International Airport as a hub, these overseas disruptions have directly impacted connecting flights. For instance, a cancellation in London or Brussels can mean missed links to Entebbe, and vice-versa,” adds Bamuturaki.
She emphasises that Uganda Airlines remains focused on minimising local disruptions through proactive communication and contingency planning. “Our commitment is to ensure our passengers reach their destinations safely and with minimal inconvenience, despite the global industry strains,” she adds.
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