Uganda Airlines has launched its first direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant step in the carrier’s efforts to expand its international footprint and boost Uganda’s global connectivity.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe on Sunday morning, 18 May 2025, at 09:25 local time and is expected to arrive at Gatwick at 16:55 local time. The new route will operate four times a week — on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — with return departures from London on the same days.
The service is operated using Uganda Airlines’ Airbus A330-800neo, a modern aircraft designed for long-haul travel with greater fuel efficiency and an enhanced passenger experience.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki described the new route as a strategic link between Uganda and one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
“This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronized to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network,” she said, noting that the route will help link travellers from London to destinations across East, Central, and West Africa.
This launch follows the airline’s expansion across the continent, including recent additions to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the second half of 2024 — all key feeder cities for Entebbe’s growing status as a regional hub.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, hailed the launch as a milestone that goes beyond aviation.
“This is more than a flight — it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” he said. “When President Museveni revived Uganda Airlines in 2015, the goal was to restore direct international air links, and today’s launch brings that vision closer to reality.”
Trade and tourism appear to be central beneficiaries of the new connection. Figures from the British High Commission in Kampala show total trade between Uganda and the UK reached £860 million in 2023, with Uganda exporting goods worth £2.3 billion over the past five years.
Gen. Katumba added that the direct service is expected to deliver a boost for exporters and importers, while also making Uganda more accessible to UK travellers.
“The UK remains one of our biggest tourism markets. With this direct flight, British tourists can now more easily explore Uganda’s natural wonders — from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile.”
The launch also marks a milestone for aircraft manufacturer Airbus, with Uganda Airlines becoming the first operator to fly the A330-800neo into London Gatwick.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, congratulated the airline on its achievement.
“It’s an honour to see Uganda Airlines launch its London route with the A330-800neo,” he said. “This milestone demonstrates the aircraft’s reliability and performance, while significantly enhancing East Africa’s global connections.”
Uganda Airlines, which began commercial operations in 2019, now flies to 16 destinations across Africa and is preparing for broader intercontinental expansion. The airline has been recognised for maintaining one of the youngest fleets in the world, winning the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award for five consecutive years.
As Uganda’s flag carrier takes this bold step into the European market, industry observers will be watching closely to see how the new route reshapes travel and trade between East Africa and the United Kingdom.
