Uganda Airlines Launches Direct London-Entebbe Flights, Unlocking East Africa’s Wild Heart for British Tourists

In a landmark move for both aviation and tourism, Uganda Airlines has launched direct flights between London Gatwick and Entebbe International Airport, providing a seamless link between the UK and the biodiversity-rich landscapes of East Africa. This new route marks the airline’s first foray into the UK market and is expected to dramatically increase tourist access to Uganda, known globally for its mountain gorillas, pristine national parks, and adventure tourism.

This direct flight is more than a new route—it represents a powerful bridge between two travel markets with growing mutual interest. For Uganda, it means easier entry for British travelers seeking wildlife encounters, cultural richness, and eco-tourism. For the UK, it offers a new gateway into East Africa’s natural wonders and a streamlined travel path to one of the continent’s most compelling emerging destinations.

A Strategic Move to Boost Inbound Tourism

Tourism officials in Uganda hailed the launch as a milestone in their ongoing campaign to expand high-value, sustainable tourism. The new route cuts out lengthy transits via Middle Eastern or European hubs, offering travelers a faster, more direct path to Uganda’s most iconic tourism experiences.

With Uganda Airlines now operating three weekly flights from Gatwick to Entebbe, travel planners expect a significant increase in UK-based visitors—particularly nature and adventure travelers drawn to the country’s gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and the Nile’s source.

Officials at the Uganda Tourism Board emphasized that the route would also benefit business travelers, the Ugandan diaspora, and students, but tourism remains the priority.

Connecting London to the Pearl of Africa

The new flight also connects two vital air transport nodes: London Gatwick, the UK’s second-busiest airport, and Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s primary international gateway located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The service is operated with a wide-body aircraft, offering both economy and premium classes, ensuring accessibility for all traveler segments.

Uganda’s national carrier positioned the route as a strategic expansion to meet rising demand from Europe for authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel. As the airline continues its post-pandemic growth strategy, the London-Entebbe route is seen as a key anchor for future connections into Europe and North America.

A New Era for Eco and Adventure Travel

Uganda is known as one of Africa’s best-kept travel secrets. From Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park to the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, the country is packed with diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Mountain gorilla trekking in particular has placed Uganda on the global tourism map, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for conservation-conscious travelers.

Now, with direct access from London, this once-remote dream is closer than ever. Tour operators in both countries have already begun rolling out packages combining the new flight with high-end safari lodges, guided expeditions, and cultural encounters.

British travelers are expected to respond strongly to the offer of sustainable, ethical wildlife travel, particularly given increasing demand for experiences that align with climate and conservation values.

Strengthening UK-Uganda Travel Ties

Uganda’s High Commission in London welcomed the route, noting that it will improve bilateral relations while stimulating economic activity across tourism, education, and investment. The UK is one of Uganda’s key tourism source markets, and the new air link is expected to encourage repeat visits and long-haul stays.

The British travel industry has also reacted positively, with major tour operators, wildlife specialists, and luxury travel agencies expressing interest in integrating Uganda into their African portfolios. Travel advisors say the flight removes one of the last barriers to selling Uganda as a mainstream destination.

The Traveler Experience Onboard

Uganda Airlines’ onboard experience reflects the country’s warm hospitality. Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to Ugandan cuisine, live entertainment, and destination-focused storytelling from onboard staff. The carrier emphasized that it wants the journey to feel like a cultural introduction, not just a flight.

With a modern fleet and enhanced inflight entertainment, the airline is positioning itself as a carrier of choice for long-haul African travel, offering not just connectivity but comfort and culture from the first boarding call.

Broader Impacts on East African Tourism

This new link is expected to benefit the broader East African region. Uganda serves as a regional hub with overland access to Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania. With easier access from the UK, travelers may be encouraged to extend their itineraries into multi-country safari circuits, hiking routes, and lake tourism.

Airline executives confirmed that future route expansion may include codeshares or partnerships with East African carriers, helping to further boost regional integration through aviation.

Key impacts expected from the new route:

• Increase in UK inbound tourism to Uganda by up to 30%
• Boost for local tour operators, guides, and lodge owners
• Strengthened business travel and diaspora connections
• Greater UK visibility for Uganda’s eco-tourism brand

A Strategic Win for Uganda’s Tourism Future

The Gatwick-Entebbe route positions Uganda Airlines as a key player in connecting Europe to East Africa’s wildlife and heritage corridors. Tourism boards, conservation NGOs, and community enterprises are watching the development closely, viewing it as an opportunity to amplify conservation funding through responsible travel.

The launch underscores the message that Uganda is not just a destination—it is an experience waiting to be explored by the world. Now, with fewer borders and more direct access, that experience is just one flight away.