Although Uganda Airlines has not registered any profits since inception, Management have announced the launch of its new route to London Gatwick, marking its entry into the European market effective May 18th.
According to officials the national carrier will operate four weekly non-stop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick.
This route re-establishes a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom since the withdrawal of British Airways direct flights.
“These direct flights will provide unparalleled convenience for travelers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between our two nations,”Uganda Airlines CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki said
“Uganda and the UK share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and this new route is expected to bolster trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.” She added.
The flights will be operated using the modern Airbus A330-800neo, ensuring a premium passenger experience. The flight schedule is designed to offer convenient connections through Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe hub to its extensive African network, which includes destinations such as Harare, Lusaka, Nairobi, Lagos, Juba, and Johannesburg.
The airline plans to launch its Accra route following the London service.
Bamutaraki says the UK is a significant source of visitors to Uganda, and this direct connection is expected to boost tourism by making travel more accessible.
Uganda Airlines, which began commercial operations in August 2019, has established itself as a carrier with a young, modern fleet. It has received the Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award for five consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to aviation excellence.
Since 2019, the Ugandan government has invested approximately US$70 million in equity and US$330 million in loans to relaunch and operate Uganda Airlines, with the loans borrowed from regional lenders
complete the purchase of aircraft, the government secured loans totaling US$330 million from regional lenders like the Trade and Development Bank.
The investment was intended to purchase six new jets: two wide-body, long-range A330-800 and four CRJ900 aircraft.
Uganda Airlines started operations in 2019 with two planes, and has grown to have 6 aircrafts that fly to about 20 destinations as of 2023
Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-busiest hub, expressed its excitement in a statement on X on March 24, saying, “We’re excited to welcome Uganda Airlines to the London Gatwick family!” The announcement marks a significant milestone for the airline, which is re-establishing a direct air link between Uganda and the UK after nearly a decade—a feat that naysayers and haters had long dismissed as improbable.
