Uganda Airlines has officially secured its long-awaited London route, with direct flights to London Gatwick set to begin on May 18, 2025.
This marks a major milestone in the airline’s international expansion and reconnects Uganda with the United Kingdom after nearly three decades of limited direct travel options.
The move comes after British Airways withdrew from the Entebbe-London route in 2015, citing unprofitability, leaving Ugandan travelers reliant on layovers in Dubai, Amsterdam, Doha, and other European hubs. With the national carrier stepping in, passengers will now enjoy a seamless nine-hour flight, a significant reduction from the 16-hour journeys previously required.
Jennifer Bamuturaki the CEO at Uganda airlines says they acquired slots in 2020, however, the execution was delayed due to a number of factors including the Covid 19 pandemic that hit hard, disrupting normal operations worldwide, manpower and the regulatory process.
“Manpower, supply chain, regulatory processes all changed and this impacted our capability to complete all the processes in time.” he said
Bamuturaki also stated that beyond passenger convenience, the airline’s A330-800neo aircraft, which will operate the route, comes with increased cargo capacity ,good news for Ugandan exporters. With Uganda Airlines also planning to introduce a dedicated cargo freighter this year, stakeholders believe the new route will enhance trade efficiency and economic growth between Uganda and the UK.
The government has long sought direct flights to Europe to support the export of fresh produce, flowers, and other perishable goods.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, welcomed the development, noting that traders have been pushing for direct air links to European markets.
“For some time, people in the fresh flower trade have been asking for direct flights to Europe. At least now, you can take your fresh flowers straight to London,” he said.
Adebayo Olawuyi the Chief Commercial Officer at the Uganda Airlines says the current travel figures indicate that 90,000 passengers fly between Uganda and the UK annually. However, airline executives anticipate that the new route will stimulate demand, attracting more travelers and increasing the number of passengers over time.
Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda says this move as more than just a flight route, it is a strategic bridge between two economies, linking Uganda’s lush agricultural potential with the UK’s vibrant market.
“With this flight, we’re not just connecting destinations; we’re connecting people, cultures, and economies,” Chesney noted.
With direct flights now a reality, optimism is high that trade, tourism, and business ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom will experience massive growth in the coming years.
