Uganda Airlines has launched direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s international expansion strategy and strengthening growing connectivity between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
This London route follows the recent triple launch of destinations in Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in the second half of 2024 all key feeder points to Entebbe’s hub.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe at 09:25 AM local time on May 18, 2025, and is scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 4:55 PM local time. The nonstop service will operate four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with same-day return departures from London.
The route is serviced by Uganda Airlines’ state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, offering superior long-haul comfort, fuel efficiency, and an elevated passenger experience.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki remarked, “This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. Return flight times are carefully synchronized to ensure seamless 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 the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached GBP 860 million in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years totaled GBP 2.3 billion.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, emphasized the strategic importance of the route: “This is more than a flight; it’s a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections. When His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni championed the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, the vision was to establish direct air links that reduce travel time.”
He added, “The direct service to London Gatwick enables faster, more efficient movement of people and goods by eliminating layovers. It’s a win for exporters, importers, and travelers and a driver of growth for our economy.”
On tourism, he noted, “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 rich natural attractions—from mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourist arrivals and revenues.”
Uganda Airlines also becomes the first carrier to operate the Airbus A330-800neo into London Gatwick a reflection of its commitment to sustainable aviation.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, praised the milestone: “It’s an honor for Airbus to see Uganda Airlines launch its inaugural direct Entebbe–London route with the A330-800. This milestone showcases how the A330neo delivers top-tier quality, efficiency, and operational reliability significantly enhancing East Africa’s global connections. At Airbus, we are proud to support Uganda Airlines’ intercontinental expansion and world-class service ambitions.”
