Uganda Airlines is set to relaunch its direct flight route between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the airline’s expansion. This route, unavailable for nearly a decade, will be the airline’s first European connection. The inaugural flight is scheduled for May 18, 2025, and tickets are already available through the Uganda Airlines app. The new service will drastically reduce travel time between Uganda and the United Kingdom, providing travelers with a faster, more convenient option.
The announcement was made on March 20, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, attended by both Ugandan and British officials. Uganda Airlines CEO, Jennifer Baratumaki, highlighted the importance of this route for improving trade, tourism, and interconnectivity between the two nations. She emphasized that the direct flights will cater to the growing demand for seamless travel and convenience. “The direct flights will offer unparalleled convenience for travelers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two nations,” said Baratumaki. She also noted the significance of the route for the approximately 150,000 Ugandan citizens currently living in the UK.
This development comes after months of preparation, including the airline’s commitment to undergo IATA safety audits, fleet expansion, and regulatory approvals to ensure the successful launch of the direct line to London. Baratumaki also linked the launch of the new route to Uganda’s National Development Plan and Vision 2040, stating that air links such as this one are crucial for unlocking economic potential. Besides making travel faster and more accessible, the route is seen as a valuable opportunity for exporters, especially those dealing with perishable goods, to access the UK market more efficiently.
Uganda’s trade with the UK reached $556 million in 2023, with Ugandan goods such as coffee, tea, bananas, and minerals benefiting from duty- and quota-free entry to the UK market. The introduction of a direct flight to London is seen as a significant step forward for Ugandan exporters. Edward Katumba Walama, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, noted that the new route had been a long-standing request from local traders, particularly those in the fresh flower industry. He pointed out that flower growers would now be able to transport their products directly to London, thus increasing the efficiency and profitability of their exports.
Additionally, Walama acknowledged the contributions of key figures, including former UK High Commissioner Katie Airey and Ugandan-born member of the House of Lords, Lord Poppat, who played crucial roles in advocating for Uganda Airlines’ entry into the British market. Their support was instrumental in securing the direct route and fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
The service will operate using Uganda Airlines’ modern Airbus A330-800neo fleet, which offers 257 seats in various configurations to accommodate a range of passenger preferences. This route represents not only a significant achievement for Uganda Airlines but also a symbol of the airline’s growing scope and ambition as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. Looking ahead, Uganda Airlines is in talks with Boeing for potential future fleet expansions, including freighters and more long-haul flights beyond Africa. With this new direct connection to London and further expansion plans, Uganda Airlines is poised to continue its ascent and become a key player in global aviation, further strengthening Uganda’s connection to the world.
