Uganda Airlines is preparing to launch direct flights from Entebbe to London. Officials from the British High Commission have met with Ugandan Aviation authorities to assess the progress of the new route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new service will fill a gap left by British Airways, which discontinued its Entebbe-London direct flights in 2015 after more than 60 years of operation. A source has reported to UPPC that London Gatwick is already listed in Uganda Airlines\u2019 booking system, suggesting that ticket sales may open soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The national carrier has been expanding its international network, with direct flights already operating to Mumbai, Dubai, and several African cities such as Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Lagos, Mombasa, Mogadishu, Nairobi, and Zanzibar. The Entebbe-London route will be its 17th destination, further enhancing Uganda\u2019s connectivity to the global travel market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, confirmed that the airline has secured landing rights and is finalizing logistical arrangements before announcing an official launch date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are soon launching flights to London Gatwick. We have obtained the rights and are only working on the remaining paperwork,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to upgrading Entebbe International Airport to meet international safety and operational standards required for direct flights to London\u2019s Gatwick Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By April 2025, Uganda Airlines will have direct flights to London. I encourage you to plan your travel accordingly, as there will be no reason to delay buying tickets. “This will open up new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers,\u201d Wamala stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airline, which currently operates 20 daily flights across 16 routes, has recently added Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Lusaka (Zambia) to its destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This expansion aligns with efforts to reduce operational losses. According to the Auditor General\u2019s report, Uganda Airlines\u2019 losses dropped to UGX 248 billion last year, down from UGX 266 billion the previous year, signaling improved financial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shakila Rahim Lamar, Uganda Airlines\u2019 Head of Corporate Affairs, noted that the London route will provide a significant revenue boost, particularly for Uganda\u2019s growing export sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are unlocking Uganda\u2019s trade potential, and this route will enhance our export capabilities,\u201d she said, highlighting the airline\u2019s 280% cargo growth over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The launch of direct Entebbe-London flights is part of Uganda\u2019s broader strategy to position itself as a key player in global aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uganda Airlines is modernizing its fleet with plans to acquire four Airbus A320neo aircraft by 2031. To boost current operations, it has leased an Airbus A320-200 from Global Airways for Johannesburg routes. The airline is also in early talks with Boeing to purchase 777 Freighters and 787 Dreamliners, aiming to expand both cargo and passenger capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a major step in positioning Uganda as a key player in global aviation. With more international airlines operating in and out of Entebbe, we are creating a favourable environment for economic growth and international collaboration,\u201d Wamala added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead, Wamala urged stakeholders to continue working together to maintain excellent passenger experiences, improve airport infrastructure, and support Uganda\u2019s growing aviation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDirect flights to London will strengthen our global connections and contribute to Uganda\u2019s socio-economic development. Let\u2019s continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our aviation industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, travelers between Uganda and the UK must transit through other airports, increasing travel time and inconvenience. The introduction of non-stop flights will significantly cut travel time and enhance passenger convenience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Uganda Airlines preparing to launch direct flights to London by April 2025, the national carrier is not just expanding its network\u2014it is positioning Uganda as a key player in international aviation. Through strategic growth, infrastructure development, and global partnerships, Uganda Airlines is set to soar to new heights in the global aviation market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Uganda Airlines is preparing to launch direct flights from Entebbe to London. Officials from the British High Commission have met with Ugandan Aviation authorities to assess the progress of the new route. The new service will fill a gap left by British Airways, which discontinued its Entebbe-London direct flights in 2015 after more than 60 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","category-transport"],"yoast_head":"\n