Uganda Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Entebbe and London Gatwick
Uganda Airlines has inaugurated direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick (LGW), marking a major step in its international expansion and a boost to air travel links between East Africa and the United Kingdom.
The first flight took off on May 18, 2025, at 09:25 AM local time and is scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 4:55 PM. The new four-times-weekly service will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Passengers will enjoy the journey aboard Uganda Airlines’ flagship Airbus A330-800neo. This aircraft is designed for long-haul comfort, fuel efficiency, and a refined in-flight experience.
“This route connects Uganda to one of the world’s most strategic aviation hubs,” said Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines. “It also strengthens onward connectivity for our passengers across Africa, with coordinated schedules linking to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.”
A Strategic Expansion
The London route is the latest in a series of network expansions for Uganda Airlines. It follows the addition of Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in late 2024. The carrier’s vision is to turn Entebbe into a regional hub for more direct travel connections for both passengers and cargo.
The UK remains one of Uganda’s top trade and tourism partners. According to the British High Commission in Kampala, bilateral trade reached GBP 860 million in 2023, and over the last five years, Uganda exported goods worth GBP 2.3 billion to the UK.
“This is more than a route—it’s a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” said Gen. Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport. “British tourists now have a direct, efficient path to Uganda’s rich natural and cultural offerings, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile.”
The A330neo
Uganda Airlines is the first carrier to operate the Airbus A330-800neo into London Gatwick. The aircraft features advanced aerodynamics, lower fuel burn, and a quiet cabin designed for long-haul comfort.
“We are proud to support Uganda Airlines’ intercontinental growth,” said Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East. “The A330neo delivers on both performance and passenger satisfaction.”
Uganda Airlines’ Growth Story
Since launching commercial operations in August 2019, Uganda Airlines has rapidly expanded its network to 16 African destinations. The airline has won the ch-aviation award for the Youngest Aircraft Fleet in the World for five consecutive years.
With the addition of London Gatwick, the airline now sets its sights on Europe and beyond. It aims to serve both African diaspora travelers and international tourists seeking direct access to Uganda.
Why This Route Matters
- Saves time – Direct flights cut down hours of travel and avoid unnecessary layovers.
- Comfort – The A330-800neo features modern cabin configurations, making it ideal for business and leisure travelers.
- Strategic Connectivity – Regional links for executives traveling beyond Entebbe to Nairobi, Kigali, Kinshasa, or Dar es Salaam.
- Tourism – Easier access to Uganda’s national parks, high-end lodges, and cultural destinations.
Also Read: Uganda Airlines Leases an Airbus A320-200 from DAT
