Uganda Airlines has today, Sunday commenced direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The flight marked a major milestone in the national carrier’s international expansion strategy and reinforcing
growing connectivity between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe at 10:15 AM local time on May 18, 2025, and is scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at
4:55 PM local time.
The nonstop service will operate four times weekly: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with same day return departures from London.
The route is operated by Uganda Airlines’ state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, offering long-haul comfort, fuel
efficiency, and an elevated passenger experience.
Speaking during the function at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki said the new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs.
"On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronized to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa," Bamuturaki said.
The launch comes amid growing trade and tourism ties between Uganda and the UK.
According to data from the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached shs4.2 trillion(£860 million) in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years amounted to shs11.2 trillion (£2.3 billion."
“This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronized to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.”
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala described it as more than a flight.
"This is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections. When President Yoweri Museveni
championed the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, his vision was to create direct air links that reduce travel time and
Today’s launch brings that vision closer to full realisation. The direct service to London Gatwick enables faster, more
efficient movement of people and goods by eliminating layovers. This is a win for exporters, importers, and travellers
alike - and a driver of growth for our economy.”
“The UK remains one of Uganda’s largest source markets for inbound tourism. This direct flight makes it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural attractions, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues.”
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, praised Uganda Airline’s milestone.
"It's an honour for Airbus to see Uganda Airlines launch its inaugural direct Entebbe-London route with the A330-800. This milestone truly showcases how the A330neo delivers superior quality, efficiency, and operational reliability, all while significantly boosting East Africa's global connections. At Airbus, we are privileged to provide these highly innovative aircraft that are empowering Uganda Airlines' intercontinental expansion and commitment to world-class service."