In a groundbreaking development for Uganda’s aviation sector, Uganda Airlines has officially announced the launch of its long-awaited direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick. The inaugural flight, scheduled for May 18, 2025, will reconnect Uganda with the United Kingdom after nearly a decade of absence, marking a significant step forward for the national carrier.
At the announcement event in Kampala, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki expressed pride in reaching this pivotal moment in the airline’s five-year history. “This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on the course for long-term growth and expansion,” she said. Bamuturaki also highlighted the challenges the airline faced in getting to this point, from meticulous planning to overcoming setbacks, before proudly announcing the start of a new era. The airline’s launch of the London route coincides with its 5th anniversary, adding to the significance of the event.
The newly established route will operate four times a week using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo. This aircraft, renowned for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, will offer Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class seating options. The schedule has been optimized to provide seamless connections to major destinations in North America and Europe, as well as key African cities.
With the new London route, Uganda Airlines is expanding its international network, offering passengers enhanced options for both leisure and business travel. The flight is expected to play a crucial role in positioning Uganda Airlines as a growing player in the global aviation industry.
CEO Bamuturaki emphasized the importance of the new connection for strengthening business, trade, and tourism between Uganda and the UK. “This route connects Uganda to critical business and tourism markets in Western Europe and beyond,” she stated. The direct flights will open up new opportunities for exporters, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, where fresh products are often shipped to the UK. According to the Grant Thornton Wings of Opportunity report (2024), Uganda’s exports to the UK totaled $22.6 million in the previous year, and this figure is expected to rise significantly thanks to the expanded cargo capacity of Uganda Airlines.
The introduction of the London route is part of Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to position Entebbe as a viable hub for air travel in East Africa. Already serving 14 cities across the African continent, Uganda Airlines plans to further extend its regional network to enhance connectivity.
The launch event, held at Kampala’s Sheraton Hotel, was attended by key government figures, including Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Wamala-Katumba, British High Commissioner to Uganda, and officials from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Bamuturaki acknowledged the support from various stakeholders, thanking the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Finance, and the British High Commission for their instrumental roles in making the new route a reality.
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is known for its stunning natural beauty, including vast wildlife reserves, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The new direct flights to London are expected to significantly boost tourism to the country by making travel between Uganda and the UK more accessible. With Uganda Airlines offering seamless connections to key African cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, and Dar es Salaam, travelers will be able to explore multiple destinations across the continent via Entebbe.
Ticket sales for the new Entebbe-London Gatwick route are already open through various platforms, including Uganda Airlines’ website, mobile app, authorized travel agents, and airline booking offices. Looking to the future, Bamuturaki indicated that Uganda Airlines has plans to further expand its network with more African and long-haul routes in the pipeline, strengthening Uganda’s position as a key player in the global aviation market.
“We invite the Ugandan public to book their tickets to London and experience our world-class service. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard,” concluded Bamuturaki.