Uganda Airlines has announced a significant milestone in its expansion strategy with the launch of direct flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, starting May 18, 2025. This new service, operating four times a week, marks the airline’s first entry into the European market and restores a direct air link between Uganda and the UK after nearly a decade.
The launch of this route will significantly enhance Uganda’s connectivity with Europe, boosting business, tourism, and trade. The new flights will also serve the 200,000-strong Ugandan diaspora in the UK, providing a more efficient and direct travel option, eliminating the need for connecting flights via hubs such as Nairobi or Dubai
Speaking at the route announcement event, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki highlighted the strategic importance of the new route for the airline’s long-term growth. “This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on the course for sustainable growth. It connects Uganda to critical business and tourism markets in Western Europe and beyond,” she said.
The UK remains one of Uganda’s top tourism source markets, and this service is expected to drive an increase in visitor numbers. Additionally, Uganda’s exporters will benefit from the direct route, which provides a faster and more efficient way to transport fresh produce to the UK. In 2024, Uganda’s exports to the UK were valued at $22.6 million. With the increased cargo capacity of the Airbus A330-800neo, the airline aims to further boost trade between the two nations.
Flights will depart Entebbe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays aboard the Airbus A330-800neo, offering 258 seats across business, premium economy, and economy classes. Departure times from Entebbe range from 00:05 to 09:25 local time, landing at Gatwick between 07:35 and 16:55 GMT. Return flights will depart from Gatwick between 09:40 and 19:05 GMT, arriving in Entebbe between 21:10 and 06:35 the following day. Flight durations will range from 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 10 minutes.
This new route also complements Uganda Airlines’ growing network in Africa, which includes destinations like Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and Accra. With the addition of this UK route, Uganda Airlines will increase its weekly departures from Entebbe from 77 to 81, reinforcing its position as the largest operator out of the airport.
Bamuturaki also acknowledged the role of key partners in facilitating this expansion, including the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and the British High Commission. “We are grateful for the support in securing the Foreign Carrier Permit for this route,” she said.
Tickets for the direct flights to London Gatwick are now available through the Uganda Airlines website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents. With competitive fares, one-way tickets starting at $475 from Entebbe and £395 from London (taxes included), the airline expects strong demand from both leisure and business travelers.
This expansion aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, aimed at fostering economic growth and improving connectivity between Uganda and Europe. By establishing a direct link to the UK, Uganda Airlines is positioning itself as a key player in regional and international aviation, contributing to the growth of both tourism and trade.
