London route will be Uganda Airlines’ 13th route
Uganda Airlines has announced a landmark expansion into the European market with the launch of scheduled flights to London Gatwick.
Commencing on 18th May 2025, the national carrier will operate four weekly nonstop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s five-year history.
This new route represents Uganda Airlines’ first foray into Europe and reestablishes a direct air link between Entebbe and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade.
The introduction of this service underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Uganda and the UK.
Speaking at the launch event at on 20th March 2025 at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, Jenifer Bamuturaki, said the direct flights will provide unparalleled convenience for travelers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two nations.
Speaking at the same event, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, said that Uganda has not had direct flights to the United Kingdom since British Airways suspended services to a number of African countries, including Uganda, almost 10 years ago, in November 2015.
“This resulted in great inconvenience to the travelling public, lengthy journey times, and a reduction in competition on the Entebbe-London route. As you are aware, where there is no competition, prices tend to soar. We are, therefore, happy that Uganda Airlines is coming in to moderate the market as it has done on other routes,” he said, adding: “London, the 17th destination and 13th country into which our national carrier will fly, signifies the steady progress, growth, and expansion midwifed by the management team and the government in pursuit of President Museveni’s strategic vision to integrate and better position Uganda in the global economy.”
Uganda and the United Kingdom share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and this new route is expected to bolster trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Industry reports have consistently identified Entebbe as one of Africa’s most underserved markets for London, making Uganda Airlines’ entry a highly anticipated development.
Uganda, renowned as “The Pearl of Africa,” is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, vibrant cultures, and unique tourism offerings. The UK has long been a key source market for visitors to Uganda, and this direct connection is poised to enhance the travel experience, making it easier for British tourists to explore the country’s natural wonders.
The flights will be operated using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, ensuring a world-class onboard experience for guests.
The schedule has been carefully designed to enhance convenience for travelers, with seamless connections available via Uganda Airlines’ hub in Entebbe to its extensive African network.
Uganda Airlines’ key destinations include Harare, Lusaka, Nairobi, Lagos, Abuja, Juba, Mogadishu, Kinshasa, Mombasa, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Johannesburg, and the upcoming Accra route.
