Uganda Airlines has officially launched a direct flight route between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport, marking a historic milestone in the country’s aviation sector and international connectivity. The inaugural flight took off on May 18, 2025, at 9:25 AM local time, ushering in the first nonstop air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom in nearly a decade.
This new route is a strategic expansion for Uganda Airlines, the national carrier revived in 2019 after the original airline ceased operations in 2001. Since its rebirth, Uganda Airlines has steadily grown its network, and the London flight represents its most ambitious international venture to date. The service will operate four times a week-on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays-providing passengers with more convenience and significantly reducing travel time by eliminating layovers.
The aircraft deployed on this route is the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, known for its fuel efficiency and long-haul comfort. This modern fleet enhances passenger experience with spacious cabins and advanced amenities, positioning Uganda Airlines competitively on international routes. Onboard services reflect Uganda’s rich culture and hospitality, with Newrest Uganda Inflight Services curating meals that offer passengers a taste “from the soul of Uganda” during their journey to Europe.
The launch event was attended by key figures including Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki and Uganda’s Minister of Transport and Works, General Katumba Wamala, who both hailed the achievement as a landmark moment in Uganda’s aviation history. CEO Bamuturaki emphasized that the new route not only connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs but also facilitates smooth connections across Africa, linking travelers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.
This direct flight is expected to have wide-ranging economic benefits. It enhances Uganda’s trade and tourism ties with the UK, a historically important partner. According to data from the British High Commission in Kampala, trade between Uganda and the UK reached approximately £860 million (about Shs4.2 trillion) in 2023, with Uganda’s exports to the UK totaling over Shs11 trillion in the past five years. The new route will provide a more efficient pathway for exporters, particularly for fresh agricultural products, leveraging the cargo capacity of the Airbus A330-800neo to support Uganda’s growing export market.
Tourism is also poised to benefit significantly. Uganda, known as “The Pearl of Africa,” is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant cultures. The UK has long been a key source of tourists to Uganda, and the direct flight is expected to increase visitor numbers by offering a seamless travel experience. This will not only boost Uganda’s tourism revenue but also create more jobs and business opportunities in the sector.
The British High Commission in Kampala welcomed the development, highlighting the flight as a symbol of strengthened mutual prosperity and global connectivity between the two countries. For Ugandans at home and abroad, the launch is a source of national pride and a tangible sign of the country’s progress toward greater international integration.
In conclusion,
Uganda Airlines’ launch of direct flights to London Gatwick represents a transformative step in Uganda’s aviation and economic landscape. It signals the airline’s transition from its establishment phase to a period of long-term growth and expansion, while fostering stronger trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom. As the airline continues to expand its network, this new route sets a precedent for future international connections that will enhance Uganda’s role on the global stage.