Uganda Airlines is preparing to leverage its upcoming Entebbe–London Gatwick route to expand its footprint across Europe.
Starting May 18, 2025, the national flag carrier will commence four weekly flights to its 19th destination—an achievement that State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, described as a vote of confidence in Uganda by the UK and other international partners.
Lisa Chesney, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Uganda, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the new route will play a significant role in boosting Uganda’s economic prospects, particularly through enhanced exports and tourism.
The announcements were made during the Uganda–UK Trade and Business Forum held in Kampala under the theme “Bridging Opportunities with Nonstop Connections Across Africa and the World.”
Uganda Airlines (UR) is steadily making inroads into the global aviation industry—an arena long dominated by larger and more established carriers. But Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki remains undaunted.
The airline will deploy a modern Airbus A330-800neo for the new route, featuring 20 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 210 economy seats—an aircraft configuration deemed ideal for long-haul travel to London.
Bamuturaki revealed that securing this route had been a goal since the airline’s revival, with the process of acquiring landing rights beginning in 2020. “We encountered lengthy paperwork delays, but now we are here,” she said.
While the original target was Heathrow International Airport, Gatwick was the available option at the time of application. The airline has since optimized its summer schedule, offering alternating day and night departures due to Gatwick’s slot limitations. Efforts are underway to secure better timings for the winter schedule, and Bamuturaki remains hopeful: “Who knows, Heathrow could be our next stop.”
Though competition on the route is inevitable, Bamuturaki said Uganda Airlines is not focused on rivalry. “Our focus is on time. With our direct service, the journey from Entebbe to Gatwick will take approximately nine hours—almost half the time of current options that average 18 hours.”
Environmental sustainability is also a priority. The European Union’s new ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, effective this month, mandates a phased adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—starting at 2% this year and rising to 70% by 2050. Bamuturaki noted that the A330-800neo is an environmentally compatible aircraft, designed with lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Ambassador Chesney highlighted the cargo potential of the new route, noting strong demand in the UK for Ugandan exports, particularly fresh produce and coffee. “With direct flights, we can streamline cargo transport, enabling fresh Ugandan products like fish, coffee, fruits, and vegetables to reach the UK market faster and more efficiently,” she said.
However, the airline’s success doesn’t rest on operational efficiency alone—it also depends on public support.
Minister Byamukama expressed concern over misinformation spread on social media, often involving unverified and damaging claims about the airline. “Such posts threaten customer trust and confidence. Travelers frequently check social media before choosing an airline,” he said.
He also pointed out a broader issue: limited understanding among policymakers about how the aviation industry functions, which complicates efforts to secure consistent funding. “Even if financial statements show losses, airlines contribute significantly to the economy—just like roads and other infrastructure—so they deserve sustained support.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Byamukama praised the upcoming London route as a milestone. “The launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London Gatwick is more than just a new route—it’s a bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom, and a symbol of Uganda’s rising potential,” he said. “As we continue to invest in connectivity and infrastructure, this route reflects our ambition to position Uganda as both a regional hub and a global player.”
