Uganda Airlines today launched direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), marking a major milestone in the national airline's international expansion strategy, enhancing the increased connectivity between Uganda and the UK. This route is fast and consecutively in the triple launches of Abuja, Lusaka and Harare, launched in late 2024, and is a key point for feeding Entebbe's hubs.
The first flight will depart Entebbe at 9:25am local time on May 18, 2025 and arrive in Gatwick at 4:55pm local time. The non-stop service runs four times per week, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and four times a week with departures from London on the same day. The route is run by Uganda Airlines' cutting-edge Airbus A330-800neo and offers long-distance comfort, fuel efficiency and increased passenger experience. “This new route connects Uganda to one of the busiest and strategic aviation hubs in the world. The return leg ensures that flight times are carefully synchronized to smooth out the African networks that link the growing African networks to the major fates of London, East, Central and West Africa,” said Jennifer Bamturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines.
The launch occurs amid growing trade and tourism links between Uganda and the UK. Data from the UK High Commissioner in Kampala showed that total trade between the two countries reached 860 million GBP in 2023, while Uganda's cumulative exports to the UK have reached 2.3 billion Gbp over the past five years. Minister of Labor and Transport, Hon. General Katongba Wamara said, “This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections.
When His Excellency of Yoweri Museveni defended the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, his vision was to create a direct air link that would shorten travel time. Direct service to London Gatwick allows faster and more efficient people and goods movements by eliminating layovers. This is a victory for exporters, importers and travelers as well, and is a factor in the growth of our economy. “He also noted the impact on tourism. “The UK is one of Uganda's biggest source markets for inbound tourism. This direct flight will make it more convenient than ever for UK tourists to explore Uganda's diverse natural attractions from mountain gorillas to sources of the Nile. We expect the arrival of tourism and the associated revenues will be significantly improved.”
Uganda Airlines is proud to be its first career to run the Airbus A330-800neo in London Gatwick and is proud to see this flight represent its commitment to sustainable aviation. Airbus Africa and the Middle East President Gabriel Semeras praised the airline's milestone, saying, “It is an honor for Airbus to see Uganda Airlines launch its first direct Enteberondon route with the A330-800. Airbus, we are privileged to provide these highly innovative aircraft that are strengthening Uganda Airlines' intercontinental expansion and commitment to world-class service.”
Uganda Airlines is a national airline of the Republic of Uganda and operates international scheduled air transport services in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and soon Europe. The airline began its commercial business in August 2019. Uganda Airlines is a proud recipient of the prestigious CH-Aviation Yeardest Aircraft Fleet Award for the fifth consecutive year. The airline's current network includes scheduled flights to 16 destinations in Africa.
For reservations and more information, please visit www.ugandairlines.com
Source: Uganda Airlines
