Uganda Airlines is preparing for a major milestone with the launch of its inaugural nonstop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, set to begin on May 18.
The route marks the return of direct air travel between Uganda and the United Kingdom nearly a decade after British Airways halted operations on the corridor.
The announcement was made during the Uganda–UK Trade Business Forum in Kampala, where Uganda Airlines officials described the new service as a bridge between East Africa and Europe, expected to boost trade, tourism, and foreign investment.
“This route is about more than convenience — it’s about building lasting economic connections,” said Uganda Airlines management.
London Gatwick will be the national carrier’s 17th global destination, further expanding its international footprint.
Plans are also underway to launch services to Juba, Harare, and China, positioning the airline as a key player in enhancing Uganda’s trade infrastructure.
Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, underscored the strategic importance of the London link, projecting that it could help lift Uganda’s export receipts to nearly $9 billion and attract significant inflows of foreign direct investment.
“The route to London Gatwick, which starts on 18 May 2025, and others that will come in the near future, directly speak to these objectives,” Ggoobi said.
“With 14 destinations within Africa and one each to Europe, the Middle East, and India, Uganda has never been better integrated into the regional and global air transport system.”
Ggoobi added that Uganda Airlines' growing international presence has improved air mobility and supported passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport, which last year served 2.2 million travellers.
The development has sparked optimism among exporters targeting the UK as a premium market for Uganda’s fresh produce, textiles, crafts, and, notably, its world-renowned Arabica and Robusta coffee.
Private sector leaders at the forum echoed Ggoobi’s sentiments, expressing hope that the renewed air link would not only revive tourism but also unlock new markets for Ugandan goods and strengthen ties with the diaspora community.
With London serving as a major global financial hub, Uganda Airlines’ move is being hailed not just as a commercial expansion but as a strategic push to position Uganda as a vital player in international trade and investment.