Uganda Airlines to Fly Direct to London Gatwick

Uganda Airlines is preparing for a major leap into the European aviation market with the official launch of its new direct route between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport. Set to commence on 18 May 2025, this service marks a historic moment—not only as the airline’s first European destination but also as the first nonstop air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom in nearly a decade. The move reflects Uganda Airlines’ growing ambitions on the international stage and reinforces its mission to become a key player in connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

Four Weekly Flights Using State-of-the-Art Airbus A330-800neo

The airline will deploy its modern Airbus A330-800neo fleet for this long-haul service. The aircraft is equipped with advanced fuel-efficient technology and is configured in a three-class layout.

• 20 Business Class seats designed for premium comfort with lie-flat beds
• 28 Premium Economy seats offering additional space and amenities
• 210 Economy Class seats tailored for affordability and ease

With four flights weekly—on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—Uganda Airlines aims to cater to a wide variety of traveler needs, from business executives to diaspora families, tourists, and students.

Convenient Scheduling to Suit Passenger Needs

Flight times have been strategically scheduled to optimize convenience for passengers. Three of the flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) will operate as overnight services, allowing travelers to rest in-flight and arrive fresh at their destinations the following morning. The Sunday flight stands out with a daytime departure, accommodating passengers who prefer to travel during daylight hours or wish to make connections more easily on arrival.

The schedule has been thoughtfully aligned with key arrival and departure windows at both airports, ensuring smooth onward connectivity.

Strengthening Trade, Tourism, and Economic Ties

This direct link between Entebbe and London is more than just a new route—it is a strategic move to bolster Uganda–UK bilateral relations. The UK has historically been one of Uganda’s largest trade and tourism partners, with major exports including coffee, tea, flowers, and fresh produce.

The new route will help reduce cargo delivery times and lower logistical costs, opening new opportunities for Ugandan exporters to access the UK market more efficiently. At the same time, Uganda’s tourism sector—an essential pillar of the national economy—stands to gain significantly from the improved access. British travelers will now find it easier to visit Uganda's iconic destinations, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the source of the Nile, enhancing both tourism revenues and cultural exchange.

Long-Awaited Achievement in Airline Expansion

Uganda Airlines is set to launch direct flights to London Gatwick—a key milestone in its expansion since its 2019 revival. Delayed by the pandemic, this achievement follows years of planning, aircraft acquisition, and regulatory approvals. 

The new route marks a shift from regional focus to long-haul growth, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 goals of global connectivity and economic development. Entering the European market boosts Uganda’s visibility, enhances mobility, and opens doors for trade, education, and diplomacy. 

This move strengthens Uganda Airlines' position as a modern, reliable national carrier and lays the groundwork for future intercontinental routes such as Dubai, Mumbai, or Guangzhou.

Ticketing Options Now Open

Passengers can now book tickets for the Entebbe–London Gatwick route via multiple platforms, including the Uganda Airlines official website, mobile app, ticketing offices, and a network of authorized travel agents across Uganda and the UK. Both one-way and return trip options are available, with competitive pricing and promotional fares expected during the launch period.

This ease of booking is part of the airline’s broader strategy to offer world-class customer service, aligned with international standards.

Positioning Entebbe as a Major Regional Aviation Hub

With this launch, Uganda Airlines is increasing its total weekly departures to 81, reinforcing Entebbe’s role as a growing hub for intra-African and intercontinental travel. The airline’s network already connected major African cities such as:

• Nairobi
• Johannesburg
• Lagos
• Abuja
• Juba
• Dar es Salaam
• Zanzibar
• Kinshasa
• Kigali
• Harare
• Lusaka
• And soon, Accra

By providing seamless connections to these key destinations, the new London service will offer passengers more efficient travel options across the continent and beyond.

The Strategic Importance of the Entebbe-London Gatwick Route

The decision to launch flights to London Gatwick holds significant strategic importance for Uganda on multiple fronts:

• Boosting Trade and Investment: The direct air link is expected to significantly bolster trade between the two nations. The ease and speed of direct flights will provide a more efficient route for Ugandan exports, including fresh produce like coffee, bananas, tea, and flowers, to reach the UK market. Similarly, it will facilitate the flow of goods and investment from the UK to Uganda.
• Enhancing Tourism: The UK has historically been a key source market for tourists visiting Uganda's renowned natural attractions, including gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and scenic landscapes. The direct connection will make it significantly easier and more appealing for British tourists to explore the "Pearl of Africa," thereby boosting Uganda's tourism sector.
• Serving the Diaspora: A large and vibrant Ugandan diaspora resides in the United Kingdom. The direct flights will offer unparalleled convenience for them to travel home to visit family and connect with their roots, fostering stronger personal and cultural links. 
• Regional Connectivity: Entebbe International Airport serves as a growing hub for Uganda Airlines' expanding network across Africa. The London route will provide seamless connections for passengers from other African destinations to reach the UK and vice versa, further enhancing Uganda's role as a regional gateway. 

Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future

The journey to launching the London route has not been without its challenges. Uganda Airlines has navigated slot limitations at major London airports, ultimately securing favorable slots at Gatwick. The airline has also faced scrutiny and skepticism, but its determination to re-establish this vital link has persevered.

The launch of the London service marks a significant step in Uganda Airlines' long-term growth and expansion strategy. With a growing fleet and an expanding network that already includes destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia (Mumbai and Dubai), the airline has ambitious plans for further intercontinental routes, including potential services to China and other European destinations.