The launch of the inaugural direct flight from Uganda to London Gatwick marked a historic milestone for Uganda and Uganda Airlines. Launched on May 18, 2025 at Entebbe International Airport, the occasion was celebrated with pride and optimism, signaling not just a new route, but a significant leap in Uganda’s global connectivity and aviation ambition.
Welcoming guests at the flag-off ceremony, Uganda Airlines CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, described the launch as a pivotal moment in the airline’s journey. She noted that with this flight, Uganda Airlines officially transitions from its establishment phase into a new chapter of long-term growth and expansion. She expressed pride in the airline becoming the first carrier to operate the Airbus A330-800neo into London Gatwick and highlighted the sustainability aspect of the route, with the return flight operating on a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Jet A-1 fuel.
The Entebbe–London route is now the longest in the airline’s network, covering approximately 6,464 kilometers (3,360 nautical miles), with an average flight time of 9 hours and 30 minutes. Though current routings are slightly longer, Uganda Airlines hopes to achieve more optimal flight paths soon. The aircraft’s long-range capability is now being fully utilized.
Flights from Entebbe to London Gatwick will run four times a week during the summer schedule, until October 2025. Departures are scheduled on Sunday at 09:25 AM, Tuesday at 00:05 AM, Wednesday at 00:25 AM, and Friday at 03:10 AM. The arrival times at Gatwick are designed to support smooth onward connections to Europe and North America, while return flights are aligned with Uganda Airlines’ expanding African network, offering convenient links across East, Central, and West Africa.
Uganda Airlines now flies to 17 destinations across 13 countries. The London route is a strategic addition that connects Uganda to key business, tourism, and diaspora markets in Western Europe. The importance of this move is further underscored by Uganda’s Vision 2040, which positions aviation as a driver of economic transformation. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the UK was Uganda’s top European source market for tourism in 2024, accounting for 27% of all European arrivals. This direct connection is set to support increased tourism, trade, and investment.
Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, hailed the launch as the answer to a long-standing call from the Ugandan diaspora in the UK. He described the new route as more than an air link – a bridge connecting Uganda to one of the world’s most important commercial, tourism, and diaspora hubs. He pointed out the benefits for exporters, who will now enjoy faster cargo delivery, and for the diaspora, who will travel home more conveniently.
British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, also applauded the launch. She said the flight comes at a strategic time as Uganda and the UK prepare for the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum in London from 21st to 22nd May. She emphasized the importance of this connection in promoting Ugandan investment opportunities and enhancing public-private partnerships between the two countries.
Today’s achievement positions Uganda Airlines competitively on the global aviation stage. With an already strong African network feeding into this new long-haul route, the airline is poised to grow further. The Entebbe–London flight stands as a bold testament to national pride, resilience, and the vision of connecting Uganda to the world.
