London Gatwick Airport has warmly welcomed Uganda Airlines, marking the launch of a new direct flight route from Entebbe to London, set to commence on May 18, 2025.
This four-times-weekly service signifies a major achievement for Uganda Airlines, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic and rapidly growing carriers. The establishment of this route rekindles a direct air connection between Uganda and the UK after nearly a decade, defying skeptics who doubted the airline’s capacity to secure a foothold in a major European hub.
Gatwick, the UK’s second-largest airport, has embraced Uganda Airlines as a valuable addition to its network, highlighting the airline’s growing international prominence. The new route, operated using the modern Airbus A330-800neo, reduces travel time between Entebbe and London from 16 hours to just 9, offering enhanced convenience for business travelers, tourists, and the Ugandan diaspora in the UK.
The Gatwick Express, which connects the airport to Central London in just 30 minutes, further enhances the route’s appeal, ensuring seamless access to the UK capital.
Uganda Airlines, relaunched in 2019, has overcome significant challenges to achieve this milestone. Initially met with skepticism regarding its ability to compete globally, the airline has expanded its network to 17 destinations, including intercontinental routes to Dubai, Mumbai, and now London.
Its fleet, comprising state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neos and Bombardier CRJ900s, has been pivotal in this growth, enabling the airline to establish itself as a competitive force in the aviation industry. From a modest beginning with two CRJ900s, Uganda Airlines now operates 81 weekly departures from Entebbe, making it the airport’s dominant carrier.
The Entebbe-London route is expected to significantly boost Uganda’s economic prospects by facilitating trade, tourism, and stronger ties with the UK. With approximately 78,000 roundtrip passengers traveling between the two cities annually and Uganda’s exports to the UK valued at $22.6 million in 2024, the route is poised to drive substantial economic benefits. Additionally, the service aligns with the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to foster deeper connections with emerging markets in East Africa, further amplifying its strategic importance.
The airline’s pivot to Gatwick, after facing slot constraints at London Heathrow, proved to be a shrewd decision. Gatwick’s lower operational costs, coupled with its excellent transport links and the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s approval of the Foreign Carriers Permit, have created an ideal partnership. This development serves as a rebuttal to critics who questioned Uganda Airlines’ ability to secure landing rights at a major European airport.
The route’s launch also reflects Uganda’s broader ambitions to enhance its global connectivity and economic influence. The revival of Uganda Airlines, driven by a commitment to strategic growth, has positioned it as a catalyst for national development.
The airline’s African network now covers 14 cities, with plans to expand to Accra and other destinations, while its intercontinental routes continue to grow. Industry observers have lauded Uganda Airlines for its resilience, particularly in navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested the aviation sector worldwide.
For Ugandans, the new route is a source of immense national pride, symbolizing the country’s determination to overcome obstacles and compete on the global stage. As Uganda Airlines prepares to connect Entebbe with London, it stands as a testament to the power of ambition, strategic planning, and perseverance, proving that even the most daunting challenges can be surmounted. With this latest milestone, Uganda Airlines continues to ascend, leaving detractors behind while solidifying its reputation as a leading African carrier.
