ENTEBBE, Uganda — On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Uganda Airlines inaugurated its first direct flight between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport, marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s international expansion strategy.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe at 9:25 a.m. local time and is scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 4:55 p.m. local time. This nonstop service will operate four times weekly—on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—utilizing the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo aircraft.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki emphasized the strategic importance of the new route, stating,
“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 comes amid growing trade and tourism ties between Uganda and the UK. According to data from the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached £860 million in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years amounted to £2.3 billion.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, hailed the development as a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections.
“When President Yoweri Museveni championed the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, his vision was to create direct air links that reduce travel time. Today’s launch brings that vision closer to full realization,” he said.
The Airbus A330-800neo, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, is configured with 20 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 210 economy seats. Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, praised the milestone, 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.”
This new route is expected to bolster tourism, with the UK being one of Uganda’s largest source markets for inbound tourists.
The direct flight makes it more convenient for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural attractions, from mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile.
Tickets for the new Entebbe-London Gatwick route are now available through the Uganda Airlines website, mobile app, airline booking offices, and authorized travel agents.
With this launch, Uganda Airlines continues to expand its international footprint, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Uganda and the global community.
