Uganda Airlines has launched its first direct flight from Entebbe to London Gatwick, marking its return to the UK market since British Airways ceased its Entebbe service in November 2015.
Operating four times weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the 9-hour-30-minute flight establishes London as the airline’s 16th international destination and its longest route.
“This new London route is a major milestone in Uganda Airlines’ expansion strategy and reinforces our mission to connect Uganda to the world,” said Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines.
“We are thrilled to offer UK travellers a direct, convenient gateway to the Pearl of Africa, where they can experience unrivalled wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Ugandan hospitality.”
The route caters to adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourists, providing access to Uganda’s rich natural heritage. It includes trekking with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, and safaris featuring the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
With growing global interest in sustainable and experiential travel, Uganda is emerging as a premier adventure and ecotourism destination.
The launch, designated as flight UR 110, precedes Kenya Airways’ new three-times-weekly service to London Gatwick, starting July 2, 2025. This service will complement its daily Heathrow flights, bringing its UK capacity to 10 weekly flights.
Ethiopian Airlines, operating a daily flight to London Heathrow and four weekly flights to Gatwick since November 2023, offers 11 weekly flights to the London area.
The new route enhances tourism, trade, and investment between Uganda and the UK. It provides cost-effective travel for tourists, a direct export line to London for businesses, and faster connections for investors, strengthening economic ties.
However, Uganda Airlines’ entry intensifies competition for Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, which have historically served significant Ugandan traffic via their hubs.
RwandAir, focusing solely on London Heathrow after initially serving Gatwick, adds to the competitive landscape.
Uganda Airlines’ direct service eliminates hours of transit, potentially capturing market share from its regional rivals.
