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Uganda Airlines launches direct flights to UK

Peter 20th Mar, 2025 Logistics Pedson Mumbere

Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki (2L) is joined by other officials at the official announcement of the new route to London.

Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of its new direct route to London Gatwick in the United Kingdom, in an ambitious move that is set to enhance trade, tourism, and global connectivity.

Scheduled to begin on May 18, 2025, the service will operate four weekly non-stop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, re-establishing a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade. Officials said the direct connection between Uganda and the UK is expected to be a ‘game-changer,’ offering a more efficient travel option for both passengers and cargo.

“These direct flights will provide unparalleled convenience for travellers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between our two nations,” said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki. “Uganda and the UK share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and this route will significantly bolster our connectivity.”

The UK remains one of Uganda’s largest trading partners in Europe, with annual trade volumes exceeding £200 million (UGX 940 billion). The direct route is expected to facilitate smoother exports of Ugandan coffee, fresh produce, and flowers to the UK, while also promoting foreign direct investment and business collaborations.

With the new gateway to Europe and the USA, Entebbe is now se to be serve as a key transit point for travellers from across Africa heading to Europe and beyond.

The airline’s extensive regional network includes Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Lusaka, Harare, Lagos, and Johannesburg, offering seamless connections for business and leisure travellers.

“This route does not only benefit Uganda but also the wider East African region,” said aviation analyst Joseph Mukasa. “It makes Uganda Airlines a serious competitor in regional air travel by providing more affordable and direct flights to Europe.”

The airline has also announced plans to launch flights to Accra, Ghana, further cementing its role as a key player in intra-African and intercontinental travel.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a renowned tourist destination famous for its mountain gorillas, national parks, and rich culture. The UK remains a top source of tourists to Uganda, and this direct connection is expected to increase visitor numbers significantly.

“Accessibility is a key factor in boosting tourism. Direct flights remove the hassle of layovers and long transit times,” said Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. “This route will undoubtedly contribute to higher tourism revenues and increased arrivals.”

The airline will operate the Airbus A330-800neo on the London route, offering a superior passenger experience with spacious cabins, fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

Whereas some analysts are worried about the feasibility of the London route, Uganda Airlines officials believe that with over 100,000 Ugandans living in the UK, the new flights will provide a vital link for the Ugandan diaspora, facilitating family visits and business trips.

As Uganda Airlines continues its strategic expansion, industry observers believe that adding more European and Middle Eastern destinations will be key to sustaining long-term growth.

“For Uganda Airlines to remain competitive, it must secure additional traffic rights and codeshare agreements with global airlines,” noted aviation expert David Mulumba. “London Gatwick is just the beginning; Paris, Amsterdam, and Dubai should be next.”

Travel and Tour World, a highly respected industry magazine, has saluted Uganda Airlines for the launching the new route, saying it’s a significant milestone in its journey, which would benefit both travellers and the Ugandan economy.

“With the launch of direct flights between Entebbe and London, the airline is providing new opportunities for business, tourism, and trade. The future looks promising as Uganda Airlines continues to expand its global network and offer more convenient travel options for passengers,” the publication said.

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