Aerolink Uganda Domestic Flights: Routes, Prices and Booking 2027

Aerolink Uganda’s schedule in 2027 covers all major national park destinations on varying frequencies. Entebbe to Kihihi (Bwindi Buhoma): typically 4-6 days per week on scheduled services; confirm current days with Aerolink or your operator as schedules are seasonal; morning departure from Entebbe is standard. Entebbe to Kisoro (Bwindi south, Mgahinga): less frequent than Kihihi; typically 3-4 days per week; a longer flight due to the more southwesterly location. Entebbe to Pakuba (Murchison Falls): daily or near-daily during peak season; the most popular Aerolink route due to the popularity of Murchison as a destination. Entebbe to Kasese (Queen Elizabeth): 3-5 days per week; the route connecting to the Mweya peninsula lodge area. Entebbe to Kidepo: less frequent due to demand; charter is sometimes required for Kidepo access. Charter service: Aerolink operates charters on any day on any route when the demand exists; a group of 4+ people often makes charter cost-effective versus per-seat rates.

Aerolink pricing is not publicly fixed and changes seasonally and with availability; the following are indicative 2027 ranges. Entebbe to Kihihi (per person, one way): approximately USD 200-350 on scheduled service; price varies by season and advance booking; high season (July-August, December) prices may be higher. Entebbe to Kisoro (per person, one way): approximately USD 220-380 due to longer distance. Entebbe to Pakuba (per person, one way): approximately USD 200-320; one of the more cost-efficient routes due to high frequency. Full aircraft charter (Cessna Caravan, 1-9 passengers): approximately USD 1,200-1,800 one way depending on route; for 6-9 people, the per-person rate approaches scheduled service; the advantage is departure time flexibility. Children discount: children under 2 typically fly free; children 2-12 may qualify for a discounted rate; confirm with Aerolink. Price accuracy: confirm all prices with Aerolink or your operator at time of booking as rates change regularly.

Uganda’s domestic aviation market in 2027 is served primarily by Aerolink and Eagle Air with some differences in fleet and routing. Fleet comparison: Aerolink operates primarily Cessna 208 Caravans; Eagle Air has a similar mix including Beechcraft 1900 for larger groups and some smaller aircraft; the Beechcraft 1900 is a twin-engine 19-passenger aircraft that is louder but carries more people for group charters. Route coverage: both operators cover the main routes (Kihihi, Kisoro, Pakuba, Kasese); Aerolink is generally considered the more established and widely used; Eagle Air also has international connections from Entebbe. Operator preference: most Uganda safari operators have working relationships with both airlines; they will book whichever has availability and price on your dates. Safety: both airlines operate under Uganda Civil Aviation Authority certification; small aircraft in East Africa are regulated; ask your operator about recent operational record if concerned. No strong recommendation: for most visitors, Aerolink and Eagle Air are interchangeable; use whichever fits your itinerary.

The baggage weigh-in at Aerolink’s domestic terminal desk is one of the most strictly enforced luggage limits visitors encounter. Why it is strict: weight and balance calculations for a 9-passenger Cessna Caravan are precise; the pilot needs accurate passenger and luggage weights before departure; this is a safety requirement, not bureaucracy. The 15kg limit: this is per person total — checked and hand luggage combined; your camera bag counts toward this total; there is no separate cabin allowance. What happens over limit: excess luggage is charged per kilogram; rates vary but are not trivial; you may also be asked to leave items behind if the aircraft is close to its payload limit with a full passenger load. Soft bags: all bags must be soft-sided duffels or backpacks; hard-sided cases cannot be accommodated; if you arrive at the Aerolink desk with a wheeled suitcase, it will be flagged. Pre-weigh your bags: before departing your hotel for the airport, weigh all bags on bathroom scales and repack if necessary; arriving at the Aerolink desk overweight creates delays for the whole aircraft.

Same-day arrival at Bwindi via Aerolink to Kihihi is practical and the main reason visitors choose to fly. Typical day structure: early morning departure from Entebbe (typically 7-9am depending on the specific flight schedule); 75-minute flight to Kihihi; lodge vehicle meets at airstrip; 45-minute drive to Buhoma lodges; arrive at lodge approximately 10-11am; lunch and rest; afternoon walk or activity. Can you trek the same day you arrive: gorilla treks begin at 7:30-8am before the Kihihi flight would have landed; you cannot trek on the same calendar day you fly in via Kihihi; your gorilla trek will be the morning after arrival. The two-night minimum: a two-night stay at Bwindi allows arrival day afternoon activities plus one full trek morning; single-night stays are possible but give less time for adjustment and rest before the trek. International to domestic connection: visitors arriving from international flights should allow at least 3-4 hours between landing and domestic departure; a morning arrival international flight can connect to an afternoon Aerolink flight to Kihihi, arriving Bwindi by 5-6pm.