Uganda Airlines announces flights to London

Uganda Airlines is set to take a significant leap in its international connectivity with the launch of much anticipated flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). This marks the first direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom in nearly a decade. The new service is scheduled to commence on May 18, 2025, bringing both convenience and opportunity for travellers, businesses, and tourists alike.

A New Era for Uganda-UK Air Travel

This development is particularly notable because it restores a direct air service that has been absent since British Airways discontinued its flights from London to Entebbe in 2015. For years, passengers had to rely on connecting flights via other European hubs, which added significant travel time and complexity. Uganda Airlines’ new service promises to reduce these hurdles, offering a seamless and efficient way to travel between Uganda and the UK.

Operating four times a week, Uganda Airlines will use its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo for the long-haul flights. The aircraft, configured with 20 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 210 economy class seats, provides an attractive range of options for passengers across all budgets. The flights will depart from Entebbe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights from Gatwick on the same days.

Boosting Trade and Tourism

The new route is expected to have far-reaching benefits for both Uganda and the United Kingdom. From a business perspective, the direct flights are set to enhance trade relations by improving the movement of goods, especially fresh agricultural products like flowers, fruits, and vegetables. With quicker transit times, Uganda’s exports will have a more efficient path to European markets, boosting the country’s economic prospects.

Additionally, the new air link is anticipated to spur tourism. The UK is a key market for Uganda’s tourism industry, and easier access will likely lead to a rise in British tourists seeking to explore Uganda’s unique wildlife, national parks, and rich cultural heritage. The introduction of this direct flight also aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to bolster its tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth.

Challenges and Strategic Decisions

While Uganda Airlines initially aimed to secure a slot at London’s Heathrow Airport, it was unable to do so due to high demand and limited available slots. However, London Gatwick, one of the busiest airports in Europe, was able to accommodate the airline, enabling Uganda to offer this much-needed connection to the UK.

The Gatwick route is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Uganda and the UK, improving connectivity not just for business and tourism but also for fostering deeper social and cultural ties between the two nations.

The upcoming launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London represents an exciting new chapter for both the airline and the countries it connects. With the potential to enhance trade, promote tourism, and deepen bilateral relations between Uganda and the UK, this direct service is poised to make a significant impact. For travelers, businesses, and tourists, it will no longer be a hassle to fly between Entebbe and London, marking the beginning of a new era of convenience and opportunity.