Uganda Airlines has launched a direct flight route to London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight was officiated by Gen Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s minister for Works and Transport. Starting May 18, 2025, the new route will connect Entebbe International airport to London Gatwick, becoming Uganda Airlines’ third international destination outside Africa, following Dubai and Mumbai.
This expansion brings the airline’s total destinations to 17 across 13 countries, including Abuja, Lusaka, Harare, Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, Johannesburg, Dubai, Zanzibar, Lagos, Kinshasa, Mumbai, Mogadishu, Juba and Kilimanjaro.
The flights will be operated using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, ensuring passengers enjoy a world-class travel experience. Gen Wamala highlighted the significance of the direct flight, noting that Uganda has not had a direct air connection to the UK since British Airways suspended its service to Entebbe in November 2015.
He emphasized that the absence of direct flights resulted in travel inconveniences, longer journey times and limited competition on the Entebbe-London route.
“The direct connection will facilitate the swift movement of people, goods and services. Exporters and importers will benefit from reduced transit times and the elimination of layovers, leading to greater efficiency. This will ultimately enhance Uganda’s exports, boost revenue and drive economic growth,” Wamala stated.
In 2023, trade between Uganda and the UK was valued at £556 million, with Uganda’s key exports—including coffee, bananas, vegetables, minerals, and other agricultural products—topping the list. The new direct route is expected to further boost trade by streamlining cargo transport and improving market access for Ugandan products.
Lisa Chesney, the British high commissioner to Uganda, described the flight as more than just a convenience, calling it a “strategic bridge between two vibrant economies.”
“We are not just connecting destinations; we are connecting cultures and people. I must warn you—many UK tourists may come here and never want to leave,” she joked.
Chesney further emphasized that the direct route would make it easier and faster for Ugandan products, such as coffee, bananas and tea, to reach UK markets, potentially increasing trade volumes and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
In 2023, trade between Uganda and the UK amounted to $19.6 million (Shs 70 billion), a figure expected to rise with the introduction of direct flights. Jenifer Bamuturaki, the Uganda Airlines CEO, expressed confidence that the new route would provide unmatched convenience for travelers and meet the growing demand for seamless travel between Uganda and the UK.
“Uganda and the United Kingdom share deep historical, cultural and economic ties. This new route is expected to enhance trade, tourism and investment opportunities. Industry reports have consistently identified Entebbe as one of Africa’s most underserved markets for direct flights to London, making Uganda Airlines’ entry a highly anticipated development,” she said.
Uganda Airlines remains committed to expanding its international footprint, providing greater connectivity, and contributing to Uganda’s economic growth.