Uganda Airlines has launched its first-ever direct flight between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport, marking a landmark moment for Uganda’s aviation sector and reinforcing the country’s global connections in trade, tourism, and investment.
The inaugural flight, UR110, operated by the Airbus A330-800neo, departed Entebbe at 9:25 a.m. and landed at Gatwick at 4:55 p.m. local time. The nonstop service runs four times a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with same-day return flights from London.
The last time such a route existed was nearly a decade ago, when British Airways and other regional carriers served London-bound passengers via indirect routes. That gap in direct service caused by operational costs, restructuring in international aviation, and limited national capacity left Ugandans heavily reliant on stopover flights through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Istanbul.
In 2015, President Yoweri Museveni announced the revival of Uganda Airlines, a move that was aimed at reclaiming national pride in aviation and building a strategic vehicle for economic development.
After years of investment, fleet acquisition, and network building, the launch of the Entebbe–London Gatwick route stands as the most ambitious milestone yet in the carrier’s resurgence.
Speaking at the launch event, Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, said the route is a cornerstone of the airline’s international growth strategy and a reflection of Uganda’s broader development ambitions.
“This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs,” she said. “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 London Gatwick service will become Uganda Airlines’ 17th destination, following a series of new launches in Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in late 2024.
The Entebbe–London Gatwick route is served by the Airbus A330-800neo, one of the most efficient long-range aircraft in its class. The A330neo family is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, which offer significant fuel burn reductions and lower carbon emissions compared to older aircraft models.
Uganda Airlines’ decision to operate the A330-800neo speaks to a deliberate strategy: to blend passenger comfort, range, and fuel efficiency. With a capacity of 258 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, the aircraft is designed for long-haul performance with a lighter environmental footprint.
Jennifer Bamuturaki noted that the choice reflects the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation. Bamuturaki added that the A330-800neo reinforces the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation by combining fuel efficiency, long-haul comfort, and a world-class onboard experience.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala hailed the launch as a transformative step toward economic empowerment.
“We’re not flying to London for donations or NGOs,” he said. We’re flying there to attract investors, promote trade, and showcase Uganda’s tourism potential. “This is a bridge for business and people-to-people connections.”
“This direct service to London Gatwick eliminates layovers, enabling faster movement of people and goods,” he said. “It’s a win for exporters, importers, and travelers—and a driver of GDP growth.”
British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, described the new service as a “game-changer.”
“We’re not just launching a flight; we’re launching opportunities—from cargo to coffee, tourism to trade,” she said.
Chesney highlighted that the UK remains one of Uganda’s top tourism resource markets and that the new route makes Uganda more accessible than ever to British travelers keen to explore attractions like mountain gorillas, the Rwenzori ranges, and the source of the Nile.
Recent figures show total trade between the UK and Uganda surpassed GBP 860 million in 2023, with cumulative exports from Uganda reaching GBP 2.3 billion over the past five years.
The direct Entebbe-London service follows three years of coordination between Uganda Airlines, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and aviation regulators in the UK.
Olive Birungi, Deputy Director General at Uganda CAA, described the launch as a “historic milestone.”
“It’s the result of extensive collaboration and will significantly boost tourism, trade, and economic connectivity,” she said.
Uganda Airlines is the national carrier of the Republic of Uganda, operating scheduled services to 16 destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with Europe now added. The airline began commercial operations in August 2019 and has been recognized as the Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Winner for five consecutive years.
With its modern fleet, rising international profile, and data-backed expansion strategy, Uganda Airlines is not only flying higher—it’s flying smarter.
For bookings and more information, visit: www.ugandairlines.com