London Gatwick Airport has significantly enhanced its connectivity with Africa by inaugurating a groundbreaking new route – a non-stop air service between London and Entebbe, operated by Uganda Airlines. This is now the only direct flight linking the United Kingdom to Uganda, marking a historic milestone in the development of air routes between the two nations and boosting accessibility across the African continent.
The service, operated four times per week, will utilize Uganda Airlines’ modern Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, renowned for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and advanced onboard technology. The route is designed to cater to a mix of business, leisure, and diaspora travelers, offering them a reliable, comfortable, and efficient travel option.
This new connection is part of London Gatwick’s broader strategic initiative to deepen its footprint in Africa, targeting high-potential markets that offer long-term growth opportunities. It builds on recent developments such as the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines at Gatwick in November 2023, which signaled the airport’s growing relevance as a hub for African connectivity. Additionally, Kenya Airways is set to begin a direct service to Nairobi in July, further bolstering the airport’s African route map.
With the addition of Uganda Airlines, London Gatwick now offers direct connections to 16 African destinations during the summer season, making it a leading UK gateway for flights to the continent. The new Entebbe route is expected to act as a springboard for further expansion, offering onward connections to 14 other sub-Saharan African destinations, thereby improving intra-Africa and Europe-Africa connectivity.
Beyond convenience for passengers, the route is also expected to have substantial economic implications. In 2024, trade between the UK and Uganda reached £606 million, with UK exports accounting for £483 million of this total. With direct air access now available, opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and tourism are expected to flourish. The UK is home to over 200,000 Ugandans, a sizeable diaspora community that will now benefit from easier and faster travel between the two countries.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, expressed his enthusiasm about the new development, stating:
“We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines to London Gatwick. This new route not only bolsters our role as a major European gateway to Africa but also reflects our commitment to supporting economic development and connectivity to emerging markets, particularly across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The connection will bring substantial benefits to both regional economies and the traveling public, especially in the South East of England.”
Uganda Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, also celebrated the launch, describing it as a pivotal achievement for the airline’s growth strategy:
“Launching a direct service to London is a major milestone in Uganda Airlines’ global expansion. This new route reflects our dedication to connecting Uganda with the world and offering passengers a world-class travel experience. We are proud to present UK travelers with a direct, convenient path to the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ where they can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the renowned warmth of Ugandan hospitality. We warmly invite the world to come and explore the beauty and culture of our nation.”
This launch not only enhances personal and cultural ties between the UK and Uganda but also positions both London Gatwick and Uganda Airlines as key players in the evolving aviation landscape between Europe and Africa.
