Uganda Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s international expansion and the deepening of Uganda–UK relations.
The inaugural flight, which departed Entebbe at 9:25 AM local time on Sunday, arrived at Gatwick at 4:55 PM UK time.
The new service will operate four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, known for its fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki described the new route as a strategic addition that strengthens Uganda’s connectivity to global markets.
“This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs,” Bamuturaki said. “Our flight schedules are designed to ensure smooth onward connections for passengers from London to major African cities across East, Central, and West Africa.”
The launch follows recent additions to the airline’s network Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare—strengthening Entebbe’s role as a regional hub.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, hailed the development as a boost for trade, investment, and tourism.
“This is more than a flight. It is a bridge for business and people-to-people connections,” Gen. Katumba said.
“President Museveni’s vision of a revitalised Uganda Airlines aimed to eliminate layovers and reduce travel time, and this launch brings that dream closer to full realisation.”
According to the British High Commission in Kampala, trade between Uganda and the UK reached GBP 850 million in 2023, with Ugandan exports totaling GBP 2.3 billion over the last five years.
Tourism is also expected to benefit significantly from the new route. “The UK is one of Uganda’s top source markets for tourists,” Katumba noted. “This direct flight enhances accessibility to Uganda’s natural attractions, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile.”
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, praised the development: “Uganda Airlines’ use of the A330-800neo for this route demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and world-class service.”
Since its re-establishment in 2019, Uganda Airlines has rapidly expanded its fleet and destinations, earning global recognition for maintaining the world’s youngest aircraft fleet for five consecutive years, according to Ch-Aviation.
