By Sadique Bamwita
ENTEBBE
The management of Uganda Airlines the national carrier on May 18, 2025, officially began it’s direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick Airport.
Management of the airline says this is a big achievement in the national carriers’ international expansion strategy on top of reinforcing connectivity between Uganda and United Kingdom (UK).
The launch of the new route to London Gatwick followed the tripple launch of routes in Abuja, Lusaka and Harare in 2024.
The Maiden flight from Entebbe International Airport departed at 9:25am and arrived in London Gatwick Airport at around 4:55pm.
The new route will operate four times in a week that is Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and will return with passengers on the same day from London. This route will be operated by the national carrier Airbus A330-800neo, offering efficient and an elevated passenger experience.
The Chief Executive Officer for Uganda Airlines, Jenifer Bamuturaki revealed that the new route connects Uganda to one of the busiest and most strategic aviation hubs adding that it comes amidst the growing trade and tourism ties between Uganda and United Kingdom.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, described the new direct flight to UK as a bridge for business investment and people to people connections.
He noted that when President Yoweri Museveni approved the revival of national airlines in 2015, his vision was to create direct air links that reduce travel time adding that this new route brings the vision closer to full realization.
Gen Katumba Wamala is optimistic that the new route to London Gatwick will make it easier for British tourists to explore Uganda’s diverse natural tourism attractions from Mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile.
” We anticipate a strong boost in tourist arrivals and associated revenues, ” Gen .Katumba expressed optimism adding that Uganda Airlines is proud to be the first carrier to operate Airbus A330-800 neo into London Gatwick and even prouder that flight symbolizes government commitment to sustainable aviation.
Meanwhile, Uganda Airlines started commercial flights in August 2019. Currently the airline operates schedule air transportation services in Africa, Asia, Middle East and now in Europe.
