Uganda Airlines takes flight to London Gatwick, boosting trade and tourism
This strategic route launch follows closely on the heels of Uganda Airlines' recent expansion into Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the latter half of 2024, solidifying Entebbe as a vital hub for connecting travelers across Africa.
Uganda Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), marking a significant step in the national carrier’s international expansion and solidifying the connection between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe on May 18, 2025, at 09:25 AM local time, touching down in Gatwick at 4:55 PM local time.
This strategic route launch follows closely on the heels of Uganda Airlines’ recent expansion into Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the latter half of 2024, solidifying Entebbe as a vital hub for connecting travelers across Africa.
The new London route will operate four times weekly – Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – offering convenient same-day return departures from London.
The flights are serviced by Uganda Airlines’ advanced Airbus A330-800neo, known for its long-haul comfort, fuel efficiency, and superior passenger experience. This modern aircraft underscores Uganda Airlines’ commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
“This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs,” stated Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki. “On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronized to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network, linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.”
The launch is particularly timely, coinciding with growing trade and tourism ties between Uganda and the UK. According to the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two nations reached GBP 860 million in 2023, with Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK totaling GBP 2.3 billion over the past five years. This direct flight is expected to further stimulate economic activity.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, emphasized the broader significance of the new route: “This is more than a flight; it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections. His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni’s vision in reviving Uganda Airlines in 2015 was to create direct air links that reduce travel time, and today’s launch brings that vision closer to full realisation. The direct service to London Gatwick enables faster, more efficient movement of people and goods by eliminating layovers. This is a win for exporters, importers, and travellers alike – and a driver of growth for our economy.”
The Minister also highlighted the anticipated boost to Uganda’s tourism sector: “The UK remains one of Uganda’s largest source markets for inbound tourism. This direct flight makes it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural attractions, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues.”
Uganda Airlines takes pride in being the first carrier to operate the Airbus A330-800neo into London Gatwick, showcasing its commitment to both modern aviation and sustainable practices.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s an honour for Airbus to see Uganda Airlines launch its inaugural direct Entebbe-London route with the A330-800. This milestone truly showcases how the A330neo delivers superior quality, efficiency, and operational reliability, all while significantly boosting East Africa’s global connections. At Airbus, we are privileged to provide these highly innovative aircraft that are empowering Uganda Airlines’ intercontinental expansion and commitment to world-class service.”
As the national carrier of Uganda, Uganda Airlines continues to expand its network, providing crucial air transportation services across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and now, Europe.
Since commencing commercial operations in August 2019, the airline has garnered recognition for its modern fleet, consistently earning the “Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award in the World” for five consecutive years.
This award reflects Uganda Airlines’ dedication to maintaining a young, efficient, and environmentally conscious fleet, playing a pivotal role in decarbonizing its operations.
With a current network of 16 destinations in Africa, the addition of the London Gatwick route signifies a major leap forward for Uganda Airlines and its contribution to Uganda’s economic growth and global connectivity.
