Uganda Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport.
The route will operate four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with same-day return departures from London.
Operated by Uganda Airlines’ state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, the new long-haul service promises enhanced comfort, fuel efficiency, and an improved passenger experience.
The airline becomes the first carrier to fly the A330-800neo into London Gatwick.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki emphasized the strategic importance of the new route.
“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,” she said.
The UK is one of Uganda’s top trading and tourism partners. Data from the British High Commission in Kampala shows that total trade between the two nations reached Great Britain Pound (GBP) 860 million in 2021, with Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK amounting to GBP 2.3 billion over the past five years.
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Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, hailed the launch as a fulfillment of President Yoweri Museveni’s vision to establish direct international air links.
“This is more than a flight; it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections. Today’s launch brings that vision closer to full realisation,” he said.
“The 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.” Katumba added.
He also highlighted the potential boost to tourism, noting that the UK remains one of Uganda’s largest source markets for inbound tourists.
“This direct flight makes it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural attractions from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues,” he noted.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, commended Uganda Airlines on the launch, saying the use of the A330-800neo demonstrates the airline’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
“This milestone truly showcases how the A330neo delivers superior quality, efficiency, and reliability, while significantly boosting East Africa’s global connections,” he said.
Uganda Airlines, which began commercial operations in 2019, continues to expand its network across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and now Europe.
The national carrier has earned global recognition for maintaining one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, winning the Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet award for five consecutive years.
