Uganda Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Entebbe to London Gatwick on May 18, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion.
The new route, operating four times a week, will slash travel times and boost ties between Uganda and Britain, a key market with a Ugandan diaspora of about 200,000.
Flights will depart Entebbe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays aboard the Airbus A330-800neo, offering 258 seats across business, premium economy, and economy classes.
Departure times range from 00:05 to 09:25 local time, landing at Gatwick between 07:35 and 16:55 GMT.
Return legs leave Gatwick from 09:40 to 19:05 GMT, arriving in Entebbe between 21:10 and 06:35 the next day.
Flight durations vary from 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 10 minutes.
According to Fred Bamwesigye, director general of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority, “This is a game-changer for connectivity,” touting benefits for tourism and trade.
The route ends reliance on connecting flights via hubs like Nairobi or Dubai, with one-way fares starting at $475 from Entebbe and £395 from London, taxes included.
Tickets are on sale now through the airline’s platforms and agents.
The launch follows years of planning, including a pivot from London Heathrow due to slot constraints.
Since its 2019 revival, Uganda Airlines has expanded to 14 destinations, leveraging a fleet modernized with the fuel-efficient A330-800neo.
Analysts see the Gatwick route as a bid to capture growing demand from leisure and business travelers alike.
Uganda’s government, which owns the airline, views the expansion as a step toward economic gains, linking East Africa more tightly to Europe.
With promotional fares and a reliable schedule, the carrier aims to carve a niche in a competitive market long dominated by regional giants.
