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Uganda Airlines has officially launched its long-awaited direct flights to London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone for the national carrier.
Starting from 18th May 2025, the airline will operate four weekly nonstop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick. This marks Uganda Airlines' first-ever European route and re-establishes a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade of absence.
The CEO of Uganda Airlines, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, expressed her excitement at the announcement, stating that this route would help the airline move towards long-term growth and expansion.
"This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on the course for sustained development," she said at the launch event.
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A long wait
Securing the London route was a challenging task according to the CEO, which lasted up to 5 years.
She revealed that the London slots were initially secured in 2020, but that the COVID 19 pandemic came with a lot of setbacks for the airline.
“We acquired slots for the UK in 2020 but COVID disrupted travel and a lot of regulatory systems changed and this impacted our ability to complete the processes in time,” she said.
Key Benefits for Uganda and the UK
The direct flight route between Entebbe and London is expected to foster stronger ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom, benefiting both nations in several ways.
The UK has been a significant source market for tourism to Uganda, with British travellers keen to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture.
The introduction of this direct service will enhance convenience, making it easier for British tourists to visit Uganda and experience all that the "Pearl of Africa" has to offer.
The route will also benefit Ugandan exporters. Uganda’s exports to the UK were valued at $22 million in the previous year, and the new flights will provide a more efficient transportation route for fresh products to reach their UK destinations.
Ms. Bamuturaki highlighted the airline’s commitment to supporting export growth, noting that Uganda Airlines’ cargo capacity, supported by the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, would further enhance Uganda's trade capabilities.
Strategic Expansion and Future Plans The launch of the London Gatwick route is part of Uganda Airlines' larger strategy to expand its network.
With flights now operating four times a week, the airline will significantly increase its presence at Entebbe International Airport. This route will bring Uganda Airlines closer to achieving its goal of becoming a central hub for air travel in East Africa.
In the coming years, Uganda Airlines plans to expand further within Africa, with new routes expected to complement the London service.
Ms. Bamuturaki shared that the airline is working towards increasing its fleet and enhancing its offerings. “Once London is operational, we intend to open up a few more destinations in Africa, helping to feed into our long-haul flights,” she said.
The new route is expected to reduce flight time from the typical 16 hours to just 9 hours, offering passengers a more efficient travel experience. As Uganda Airlines continues to grow and expand its global network, this direct London connection promises to be a significant catalyst for future success.