Today, March 20, 2025, Uganda Airlines officially announced the commencement of its long-awaited direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick. Scheduled to start on May 18, 2025, Uganda Airlines will operate four flights a week, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This landmark development was revealed during a special event held at Sheraton Kampala this morning. The event also marked the airline’s fifth anniversary, signifying a major step in strengthening Uganda’s global connectivity.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines, Jenifer Bamuturaki expressed excitement over the milestone, emphasising the significance of the route in enhancing business and tourism opportunities between Uganda and Western Europe.
“This route is important because it connects Uganda to critical business and tourism markets in Western Europe and beyond. These air bridges are essential to Uganda’s National Development Plan and Vision 2040 strategy,” she noted.
Uganda Airlines will operate the route using its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, ensuring passengers enjoy world-class comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The airline, which has progressively expanded its African footprint now serves 14 cities across the continent. With the addition of London Gatwick, Uganda Airlines’ route, weekly departures will increase from 77 to 81 flights per week, solidifying its position as the leading carrier out of Entebbe.
Beyond convenience for travellers, the London Gatwick route is set to boost Uganda’s export sector by providing a more efficient link for fresh agricultural products destined for the UK market. According to the 2024 Grant Thornton Wings of Opportunity report, Uganda’s exports to the UK last year were valued at $22.6 million, highlighting the economic significance of this direct flight.
Additionally, the UK remains a key source market for Uganda’s tourism sector. As Uganda, fondly known as The Pearl of Africa, boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the direct connection is expected to enhance visitor arrivals. British tourists can now experience Uganda’s gorilla trekking, serene national parks, and unique adventure tourism offerings with greater ease.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala described the new route as a strategic achievement in Uganda’s aviation and economic development agenda.
“This route, which will connect Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick, is a fulfilment of our vision to enhance global connectivity. It will also be Uganda Airlines’ third international destination outside Africa, after Dubai and Mumbai,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted the role of Uganda Airlines in moderating ticket prices on competitive routes, ensuring affordability and accessibility for passengers. He noted that increased connectivity would not only drive-up tourist arrivals but also create employment, stimulate investment, and contribute to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With the addition of London Gatwick, Uganda Airlines now connects Entebbe to major destinations including Nairobi, Lagos, Abuja, Juba, Mogadishu, Kinshasa, Mombasa, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Johannesburg, Lusaka, Harare, and the upcoming Accra route.
As Uganda Airlines continues to grow, this new route stands as a testament to the nation’s ambition to become a leading player in global aviation, fostering economic growth, tourism, and international relations.
Passengers can start booking flights for the Entebbe-London Gatwick route ahead of its launch on May 18, 2025.
Booking can done via www.ugandairlines.com.
