Uganda Airlines Reopens Entebbe–London Direct Link
On May 18, 2025, Uganda Airlines inaugurated its new nonstop service between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, restoring a direct connection to the United Kingdom for the first time in a decade. The carrier’s launch flight marked a significant milestone in its strategic growth plan, which aims to double its network and expand its fleet over the next ten years. Passengers on the inaugural service experienced the comfort of the Airbus A330-800neo, a rare long-range widebody of which only eight exist worldwide.
Originally, Uganda Airlines had hoped to serve London Heathrow but shifted to Gatwick due to slot constraints and operating costs. AeroTime had reported in March that the decision to choose Gatwick as the UK gateway was driven by the airport’s greater slot availability and more competitive fees. By selecting Gatwick, the airline ensures reliable scheduling and seamless connections for Ugandan travelers and diaspora communities.
The service operates four times weekly under flight number UR110, with departures from Entebbe at 00:05 on Tuesdays, arriving in London at 07:35; at 00:25 on Wednesdays, arriving at 07:55; at 03:10 on Fridays, arriving at 10:40; and at 09:25 on Sundays, arriving at 16:55 local time. Return flights depart Gatwick as UR111 at 09:40 on Tuesdays (landing Entebbe at 21:10), 09:50 on Wednesdays (landing at 21:20), 12:40 on Fridays (arriving 00:10 the next day), and 19:05 on Sundays (arriving 06:35 the following morning). These schedules provide flexible options for business travelers, tourists and family visits between East Africa and Europe.
Uganda Airlines has configured its A330-800neo in a three-class layout with 20 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 210 Economy seats, totaling 258. The aircraft’s Airspace cabin offers modern amenities including mood lighting and spacious overhead bins, enhancing passenger experience on the ten-hour journey. As one of only three operators of the A330-800neo—alongside Air Greenland and Kuwait Airways—the airline underscores its commitment to operating efficient, cutting-edge aircraft.
The launch of Gatwick service comes at a time when Uganda Airlines is considering further fleet additions. The carrier plans to bridge capacity between its two A330-800neos and three CRJ900 regional jets by acquiring Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft. Local media sources revealed in April that the airline is also eyeing a future route to Guangzhou, China, contingent upon securing more long-haul jets.
London Gatwick becomes Uganda Airlines’ flagship international destination, strengthening trade, tourism and cultural ties. Industry analysts note that the restored direct link will boost Uganda’s tourism sector by making safaris, national parks and cultural heritage sites more accessible to UK visitors. For the Ugandan diaspora in the United Kingdom, the new flights offer greater convenience and reduced travel times compared with one-stop alternatives.
The airline’s network expansion strategy reflects broader ambitions endorsed by the Ugandan government to position Entebbe as a regional aviation hub. By reestablishing direct service to London, Uganda Airlines not only fills a decade-long gap left by British Airways but also signals its intent to compete on key intercontinental routes. The carrier’s management has emphasized that reliable long-haul connections are vital to supporting export-oriented industries, including coffee and floriculture, by leveraging belly-hold capacity on its A330-series jets.
As Uganda Airlines settles into its new London schedule, the focus will shift to maintaining high load factors and on-time performance. Success on the Entebbe–Gatwick link could pave the way for additional European routes, including seasonal services to Paris or Frankfurt. For now, travelers between Uganda and the United Kingdom can enjoy the first nonstop service in ten years aboard a state-of-the-art aircraft, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s post-pandemic aviation resurgence.
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