Africa-Press – Uganda. With its maiden direct flight from Entebbe to London Gatwick just three days away, Uganda Airlines is already riding high on impressive passenger bookings and a surge in fresh produce cargo demand.
As of Wednesday midmorning, at least 120 travellers had secured seats on the inaugural flight alone, while exporters prepare to ship up to 10 tonnes of hot pepper and other perishables, capitalising on the time-saving benefits of the new direct link.
The May 18 launch of this long-awaited route marks a historic return of nonstop air service between Uganda and the United Kingdom, nearly a decade after British Airways ceased operations on the corridor.
It also reflects growing confidence in Uganda Airlines as a key player in connecting East Africa to Europe, boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
Operating the Airbus A330-800neo with 258 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, the airline is tapping into a robust market where around 100,000 passengers travel annually between London and Entebbe alone.
When factoring in transit and regional travellers, this number exceeds 250,000—making the new direct flight especially timely.
Chief Commercial Officer Adebayo Olawuyi said the strong advance bookings highlight pent-up demand: “The maiden flight is looking good with over 120 people booked,” he said.
In total, the airline has amassed nearly 2,000 bookings stretching into the summer of 2026, driven in part by the attractive $733 launch fare.
Cargo also promises to be a critical revenue stream, with Uganda Airlines’ Cargo and Logistics Manager Maurice Ongwech revealing significant interest from exporters.
“We are expecting up to 10 tonnes of hot pepper,” Ongwech said, noting that the direct route slashes transit times and handling, a vital advantage for fresh produce dealers targeting the UK’s premium markets.
With the aircraft’s cargo hold able to accommodate up to 25 tonnes when passenger loads allow, Uganda Airlines is positioned to offer both passenger and freight services that can stimulate Uganda’s export economy.
This launch is not only a commercial milestone but also a strategic move to enhance Uganda’s integration into global markets.
Speaking at the Uganda–UK Trade Business Forum in Kampala, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi said the route is expected to boost export receipts toward $9 billion and attract significant foreign direct investment.
“Routes like London Gatwick directly support Uganda’s economic goals,” Ggoobi explained.
“They improve air connectivity, promote trade, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in the global economy.”
Entebbe International Airport’s passenger traffic topped 2.2 million last year, a figure poised to rise with this new route.
Uganda Airlines’ expanding network, which now includes 17 destinations worldwide, reflects a commitment to strengthening Uganda’s air transport infrastructure and economic growth.
The airline already operates flights to Abuja, Johannesburg, Juba and Harare.
In the near term, new routes are planned to Guangzhou in China, Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Accra in Ghana—further deepening the airline’s continental and intercontinental reach.
Private sector leaders at the forum expressed optimism that the new link would revive tourism, open fresh markets, and deepen ties with the Ugandan diaspora in the UK.
Sunday’s inaugural flight, departing Entebbe at 9:25am and arriving at Gatwick at 4:55pm, will be the first step on this journey—carrying more than just passengers and cargo, but also Uganda’s hopes for a stronger global presence.
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