Uganda Airlines launches direct Entebbe-London flights to boost trade and tourism
The flights will be operated on the modern Airbus A330-800neo, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency for long-distance travel.
Uganda's national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has introduced direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to London’s Gatwick Airport, as it continues to expand its aviation footprint globally.
The first flight departed Entebbe at 9:25 am local time on May 18 and was expected to arrive at London Gatwick at 4:55 pm local time.
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Uganda Airlines will operate the route four times a week, with flights scheduled for Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Return trips will also be available from London on the same days.
The flights will be operated on the modern Airbus A330-800neo, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency for long-distance travel.
"This new route connects Uganda to one of the world's busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronised to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa," said Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamutaraki during the launch.
The launch comes amid growing trade and tourism ties between Uganda and the UK. According to data from the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached GBP 860 million (approximately Sh124.8 billion) in 2023.
On the other hand, Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years amounted to GBP 2.3 billion (approximately Sh329.8 billion).
"When His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni championed the revival of Uganda Airlines in 2015, his vision was to create direct air links that reduce travel time, and today's launch brings that vision closer to full realisation," said Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala.
"The direct service to London Gatwick enables faster, more efficient movement of people and goods by eliminating layovers. This is a win for exporters, importers. and travellers alike - and a driver of growth for our economy."
Wamala emphasised the importance of the UK as a major source of tourism for Uganda. He noted that the direct flights will make it significantly easier for British tourists to visit Uganda's unique natural attractions.
"The UK remains one of Uganda's largest source markets for inbound tourism. This direct flight makes it more convenient than ever for British tourists to explore Uganda's diverse natural attractions, from the mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We anticipate a strong boost in tourism arrivals and associated revenues," he said.
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