After many months of deliberations, Uganda Airlines has finally announced the commencement of a new scheduled route between the country’s capital city of Entebbe and London. Commencing on May 18, 2025, the flights will operate four times weekly in each direction on the 3,479 nautical miles (6,443 km) route and will be operated by the carrier’s ultra-rare Airbus A330-800neo fleet, of which the carrier has two.
The airline had made it known previously that it wished to fly to London-Heathrow Airport (LHR), primarily due to the availability of connecting traffic at the London hub. However, following the announcement of the commencement of services made on March 20, 2025, the airline will instead serve London’s second-largest airport at London-Gatwick (LGW) from Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is believed that slot constraints at Heathrow combined with lower costs at Gatwick were the driving factors behind this decision.
The new service will represent the first time that Uganda has enjoyed direct non-stop services to the UK since the cessation of services by British Airways back in November 2015. The new flights are expected to operate according to the schedule detailed below, and although the scattering of timings may not be ideal from a passenger perspective, the airline has decided that an awkward schedule from Gatwick is better than no schedule at all from Heathrow.
Flights will depart Entebbe as (UR110) at 00:05 on Tuesdays, 00:25 on Wednesdays, 03:10 on Fridays, and 09:25 on Sundays, arriving at Gatwick at 07:35, 07:55, 10:40, and 16:55 on the same day respectively. The return flights (UR111) are due to leave Gatwick at 09:40 on Tuesdays,09:50 on Wednesdays, 12:40 on Fridays, and 19:05 on Sundays, arriving in Entebbe at 21:10, 21:20, 00:10 (+1), and 06:35 (+1) respectively.
Chief executive Jenifer Bamuturaki detailed the new service during an event on 20 March 2025 in Entebbe. “The Crane will be flapping its wings into the United Kingdom, and this means connectivity and opportunities for Uganda,” she said. “This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on a course for long-term growth and expansion. It follows meticulous planning, preparations, and many setbacks. But finally, we are here.”
She added that the carrier, which commenced operations in 2019, had originally sought London slots in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plan. Bamuturaki also said that the Airbus A330-800 will also support cargo operations and added that the carrier is planning to enhance its cargo operation with a freighter “later this year” as the carrier seeks to fully embrace the opportunities that the belly-hold cargo capacity of the A330-800 provides.
General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Ugandan Minister of Works and Transport, echoed the sentiments of the CEO, emphasizing the vital role this new route will play in boosting Uganda’s global presence. Wamala described the launch as a step towards sustainable long-term expansion for Uganda Airlines.
“I am elated and excited to announce the dates for the long-awaited direct flights to London by Uganda Airlines,” he said. “This route will not only boost tourism and trade but will also connect Uganda to numerous global opportunities.” He emphasized that this new connection would also positively impact multiple sectors, especially trade, tourism, and education.”
“The launch of this new route to London will enhance our connections and drive opportunities for both countries,” commented Uganda Airlines’ Chief Commercial Director, Adedayo Olawuyi.
London will be Uganda Airlines’ 17th global destination, further expanding its route network. The airline intends to expand its fleet to accommodate growing demand, with plans for more aircraft purchases and leasing options. “We are committed to expanding our fleet and network,” Wamala added. The addition of London to our destinations is a crucial step towards enhancing Uganda’s position on the global map,”
The Airbus A330-800 is a rare variant of the popular Airbus twinjet-widebody and is capable of long-haul intercontinental flights. The only other notable operator of the type is Kuwait Airways which utilizes four examples. Uganda Airlines’ two aircraft are operated in a three-class configuration featuring 258 seats – 20 in business class, 28 in premium economy, and 210 in economy. The airline also has four Canadair CRJ900 regional jets and has been wet-leasing an Airbus A320 in recent months to open up new routes.
