Uganda Airlines Launches Direct Flights to London Gatwick New Route to Strengthen Bilateral Trade, Tourism, and Investment Links
Uganda Airlines has today commenced direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), marking a major milestone in the national carrier’s international expansion strategy and reinforcing growing connectivity between Uganda and the United Kingdom. This route is in quick succession to the triple launch of Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, which were launched in the second half of 2024, and are key points to feeding the hub in Entebbe.
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 weekly: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with same day return departures from London. The route is operated by Uganda Airlines’ state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, offering long-haul comfort, fuel efficiency, and an elevated passenger experience. Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki remarked that “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 GBP 860 million in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years amounted to GBP 2.3 billion. Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala, added, "This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections.
When His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni championed the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, his vision was to create direct air links that reduce travel time and Today’s launch brings that vision closer to full realisation. 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.” He also noted the impact on tourism: “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 diverse natural attractions, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues.”
Uganda Airlines is proud to be the first carrier to operate the Airbus A330-800neo into London Gatwick, and even prouder that this flight symbolises our commitment to sustainable aviation. Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, praised the airline’s milestone, saying, "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. At Airbus, we are privileged to provide these highly innovative aircraft that are empowering Uganda Airlines' intercontinental expansion and commitment to world-class service."
Uganda Airlines is the national carrier of the Republic of Uganda and operates international scheduled air transportation services in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and soon Europe. The airline started commercial operations in August 2019. Uganda Airlines is a proud winner of the prestigious “Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award in the World” for 5 years in a row, recognising the carrier’s leadership in maintaining a young, modern and efficient fleet that is environmentally cautious about decarbonising its operations. The airline’s current network includes scheduled flights to 16 destinations in Africa.
For bookings and more information, Please visit: www.ugandairlines.com
Source: Uganda Airlines
