Uganda Airlines will charge USDs 733 for a return ticket the cheapest on the market
The Minister of Works and Transport , Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has announced the launch date for the long-awaited flights to London by the national carrier the Uganda Airlines.
According to Gen Katumba, the inaugural Uganda Airlines flight to their new London route is set for May 18th with four direct flights per week .
Katumba while announcing this major milestone for Uganda and its national carrier at Sheraton Kampala this morning , said that the London route marks the end establishment phase and sets Uganda Airlines on the course for long-term growth and expansion.
The milestones also comes at the time when the airline is celebrating it’s 5th anniversary since its revival. The London route is the 3rd route that will be operated by Uganda Airlines – outside the African continent following Mubai –India and Dubai (UAE). There are now 17 routes in total – being operated by the national carrier.
Gen. Katumba noted that the London route was important because it connects Uganda to critical business and tourism markets in Western Europe and will serve as air bridges that are essential planks in the National Development Plan and Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy.
“ Besides shortening travel times for our passengers, this route also provides a more efficient route for exporters of fresh products to the United Kingdom. According to the Grant Thornton Wings of Opportunity report (2024), Uganda’s exports to the United Kingdom last year were worth $22.6m. We are confident that our cargo capacity on the A330-800neo and our plans to enhance our cargo operations capacity will support the rapid growth of Ugandan exports to the UK,” he added.
According to the minister ,the route elevates Uganda Airlines’ international profile and strategically positions the country to tap deeper into the global aviation market. The route’s success will boost our revenues and support further expansion and operational sustainability.
UA CEO , Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki , said the new route will provide unparalleled convenience for travelers ,catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two countries .
” Uganda and United kingdom share deep historical, cultural , and economic ties ,and this new route is expected to bolster trade , tourism , and investment opportunities . Industry reports have consistently identified Entebbe as one of Africa’s most underserved markets for London , making Uganda Airlines’ entry a highly anticipated development,” Bamuturaki explained.
Uganda Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi ,said the airline will fly four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays . A return ticket for this direct flight will cost USDs. 733 –the cheapest on the market .
Uganda Airlines top honchos, Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head Corporate Affairs, CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki and UCAA Deputy Director General Mrs. Olive Lumonya Birungi at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala during the announcement of the London-Gatwick route
For the past two years, Uganda Airlines has expanded its African network to 14 cities in Africa.
Uganda Airlines is now the biggest operator out of Entebbe, with an average of 77 departures a week, or just under 25 percent of scheduled departures from Entebbe International Airport. The London route will take the tally to 81 departures a week.
Ms Lisa Chesney MBE, the British High Commissioner to Uganda ,welcomed the opening of this new London direct route saying it was a strategic “air bridge” for the two vibrant economies -that will serve to reduce the cost and time of travel between Uganda and United Kingdom (UK).
She said that the route will facilitate trade and boost the tourism sector. United Kingdom has long been a key trading partner for Uganda, with bilateral trade valued at over £252 million (approximately 1.1 trillion Ugandan shillings) in 2021.
The UK’s exports to Uganda, worth around £180 million annually, include machinery, pharmaceuticals, and educational services, while Uganda sends coffee, fresh produce, and flowers to British markets.
The Deputy Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA), Mrs. Olive Lumonya Birungi, said that as regulatory they are satisfied with Uganda Airlines readiness and compliance to all international requirements that have enabled the national carrier to secure a permit to operate the new London route.
