Uganda Airlines Launches Direct Flights to London Gatwick, Strengthening Bilateral Trade, Tourism, and Investment Links
The inaugural flight departed from Entebbe at 9:25 AM on May 18, 2025, and landed at Gatwick at 4:55 PM local time. Uganda Airlines will operate four weekly flights on this route—on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—enabling same-day return departures from London.
In a landmark achievement, Uganda Airlines has inaugurated its direct flight service between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s international aviation ambitions and connectivity strategy. This new route is poised to enhance trade, tourism, and investment relations between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight departed from Entebbe at 9:25 AM on May 18, 2025, and landed at Gatwick at 4:55 PM local time. Uganda Airlines will operate four weekly flights on this route—on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—enabling same-day return departures from London.
Operated using Uganda Airlines’ state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, the route promises passengers long-haul comfort, advanced fuel efficiency, and an elevated travel experience. Uganda Airlines is the first carrier to operate the A330-800neo into London Gatwick, highlighting its commitment to both technological advancement and sustainable aviation.
According to Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki, “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 linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.”
The launch of the London route follows the recent additions of flights to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the second half of 2024, all of which serve to strengthen Entebbe as a strategic regional hub.
Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala, emphasized the broader significance of this development: “This is more than a flight; it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections.” He added that this milestone fulfills a vision championed by President Yoweri Museveni to create direct air links that reduce travel time and boost economic development.
Tourism remains a vital component of Uganda’s economy, with the UK being one of its largest source markets for inbound visitors. The direct connection is expected to facilitate even greater tourism flows, particularly for travelers exploring Uganda’s rich natural attractions—from mountain gorillas to the Nile River source.
“Direct flights make it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda,” noted Hon. Katumba. “We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues.”
Trade between Uganda and the UK has also seen substantial growth. According to the British High Commission in Kampala, total bilateral trade reached GBP 860 million in 2023. Uganda’s exports to the UK over the past five years amounted to GBP 2.3 billion, underlining the route’s potential to support even greater trade volumes.
Airbus Praises Uganda Airlines
Gabriel Semeelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, commended the airline’s decision to operate the new route using the A330-800, which he described as delivering “superior quality, efficiency, and operational reliability.” He noted the move as evidence of Uganda Airlines’ “commitment to world-class service and regional connectivity.”
Since resuming operations in August 2019, Uganda Airlines has made consistent strides in expanding its international presence. The airline now operates scheduled flights to 16 destinations across Africa, Asia, and Europe. It also boasts one of the youngest aircraft fleets globally, recognized five times as the “World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet” by ch-aviation.
As Uganda Airlines connects to London Gatwick, it not only offers travelers a seamless long-haul experience but also strengthens the country’s ties with one of its most important global partners. This new route is a testament to Uganda’s rising profile in global aviation and its ambition to become a hub for regional and international connectivity.
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