Uganda Airlines has officially launched its first direct flight from Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight, UR110, departed at 9:25 AM on Sunday, carrying both passengers and cargo. This new service, operating four times a week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—marks Uganda Airlines’ debut in the European market and its 17th international destination.
Speaking at a celebratory event in Entebbe ahead of the flight, Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, described the launch as “a monumental day for Uganda Airlines and the people of Uganda.”
She emphasized the airline’s dedication to world-class service, noting that over 500 bookings had already been made for the new route. “These flights connect Uganda to key business, tourism, and trade markets in Western Europe and beyond,” she said, highlighting that the journey has now been shortened from 16 hours to just 9 hours.
As Uganda Airlines celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, Bamuturaki added that the London route signifies a period of rapid growth for the carrier. The airline now serves 14 African cities and has plans to expand further with long-haul routes to Asia and North America. “The Crane is flapping its wings to the world,” she remarked.
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, and the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Cheney.
General Katumba highlighted the $22.6 million worth of Ugandan exports to the UK in 2024, a figure expected to rise with the airline’s increased cargo capacity. “This direct connection will boost tourism, trade, and education, opening new opportunities for both nations,” he said.
He also noted that the flight schedule was designed to ensure smooth connections with Uganda Airlines’ regional network, including key cities such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lagos—positioning Entebbe as an emerging aviation hub in East Africa.
The launch of the London route follows years of planning and negotiations with UK aviation authorities. Challenges such as slot limitations at London Heathrow led to the strategic decision to use Gatwick as the UK destination.
