Uganda Airlines inaugurated non-stop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport on May 18, marking a major milestone as its first European route. This launch also restores a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade.
The service operates four times a week — on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — using the Airbus A330-800neo, configured with 20 business, 28 premium economy, and 210 economy seats.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe at 10:16 a.m. local time and arrived at London Gatwick at 4:53 p.m., according to flight data from Flightradar24. This service is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and investment between the U.K. and Uganda.
In 2024, the total trade between the two nations was valued at £606 million, with U.K. exports accounting for £483 million. The flight is also set to meet rising demand from the over 200,000 Ugandans residing in the country, making travel more convenient and fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at London Gatwick, welcomed the new service, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines to London Gatwick. This new route not only strengthens our position as a key gateway to Africa but also supports our vision of fostering economic growth and connectivity, particularly among new markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. As the airport continues to grow, we are excited about the opportunities this new connection will bring, further supporting the regional economy alongside leisure travellers across the South East.”
Flights between Entebbe and London were previously operated by British Airways, which ended its service in 2015. Since then, travellers have had to rely on connecting flights through other hubs like Nairobi or Doha. Initial attempts to secure landing slots at London Heathrow began in 2020, but challenges with certification from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority and slot availability led the airline to shift its focus to Gatwick by 2024. In June 2024, a Ugandan delegation led by Bamuturaki travelled to London to finalize agreements with U.K. aviation authorities and engage key stakeholders, paving the way for the successful launch.
The new London Gatwick route becomes Uganda Airlines’ third intercontinental destination after Dubai and Mumbai. The airline currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including two Airbus A330-800neos and four Bombardier CRJ-900s. It recently added a leased nine-year-old Airbus A320through a short-term ACMI agreement with Danish Air Transport, which arrived in Entebbe on Nov. 24.
London Gatwick Airport is increasingly becoming a hub for African connectivity. This summer, the airport is directly connected to 16 African destinations. A new Kenya Airways service to Nairobi is also expected to begin in July. By Victor Shalton, Airline Geeks
