Uganda Airlines is poised to commence direct flights to London, as recently announced by the Uganda High Commission in London. This development marks a significant milestone for the national carrier, aiming to enhance connectivity between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
According to the High Commission, the head of Uganda’s national carrier, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, led a delegation to the UK from June 11 to June 15, 2024. During this visit, they engaged in crucial discussions with UK aviation authorities, business communities, and the Ugandan diaspora to prepare for the launch of direct flights between Entebbe and London.
“A team from Uganda Airlines led by the CEO Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, was in the UK from 11 – 15 June 2024 for meetings with UK aviation authorities, the business community, and the Uganda Diaspora in preparation for the upcoming launch of direct flights between Entebbe – London,” the Uganda High Commission in London announced.
Uganda Airlines secured landing and departure slots at London Heathrow Airport following the acquisition of two Airbus A330-800 Neo aircraft in December 2020 and February 2021. Despite this, the airline has not yet operated any flights to the UK. The delay has been attributed to the need for updated certification from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Aviation Development Chief Analyst, James Pearson, highlighted the potential demand for this route, noting that over 84,000 passengers traveled between Entebbe and London on a two-way point-to-point basis in 2019. This makes Entebbe the second-largest unserved market from Africa to London.
The initiation of direct flights to London comes on the heels of Uganda Airlines’ recent expansion into Asia and West Africa. On October 7, 2023, the airline launched direct flights to Mumbai, India’s financial capital, operating three times a week. This was followed by the introduction of direct flights to Lagos, Nigeria.
Currently, Uganda Airlines serves multiple destinations including Dubai, Johannesburg, Bujumbura, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Kinshasa, Mogadishu, Mumbai, and Lagos.
The introduction of direct flights to London represents a strategic move to tap into a significant market, further positioning Uganda Airlines as a key player in regional and international aviation.
