Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has today inaugurated a direct flight service between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant step in its international expansion.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe this morning, with the new route operating four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This direct connection aims to strengthen the growing bilateral ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom in trade, tourism, and investment.
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The launch follows a period of expansion for Uganda Airlines, which recently commenced flights to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the latter half of 2024, positioning Entebbe as a key hub for its African network.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki highlighted the strategic importance of the London route. “This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs,” she said. “The carefully synchronized return flight times will also facilitate seamless connections for passengers travelling from London across our expanding African network.”
The service will be operated by the airline’s modern Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, promising passengers long-haul comfort and fuel efficiency. Uganda Airlines proudly noted that it is the first carrier to operate this aircraft type into London Gatwick, underscoring its commitment to sustainable aviation.
The economic implications of the new route are significant. According to the British High Commission in Kampala, trade between Uganda and the UK reached £860 million in 2023, with Ugandan exports to the UK totaling £2.3 billion over the past five years.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala, hailed the launch as a crucial step in realizing President Yoweri Museveni’s vision for the revived national carrier. “This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” he stated. “This 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 emphasized the potential boost for Uganda’s tourism sector, noting that the UK remains a key source market. “This direct flight makes it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural attractions,” he said, predicting a “strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues.”
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, congratulated Uganda Airlines on this milestone. “This milestone truly showcases how the A330neo delivers superior quality, efficiency, and operational reliability, all while significantly boosting East Africa’s global connections,” he commented.
Uganda Airlines, which commenced commercial operations in 2019, has rapidly expanded its network to 16 destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The airline has also been recognized for its young and modern fleet, receiving the “Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award in the World” for the past five years. The new London Gatwick route marks a significant stride in its ambition to connect Uganda with key global markets.
