Uganda Airlines' Direct Flight to London: A Catalyst for Tourism and Economic Growth

After nearly a decade without direct air links between Uganda and the United Kingdom, Uganda Airlines is set to commence non-stop flights from Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick Airport on May 18, 2025.

This strategic move is anticipated to significantly boost Uganda's tourism sector and drive broader economic growth.

For years, travelers between Uganda and the UK have endured long journeys with multiple layovers in cities like Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai.

Currently, an estimated 90,000 passengers travel between Uganda and the UK annually.

The introduction of a direct flight will reduce travel time from approximately 16 hours to just over 9 hours, making it easier and more convenient for tourists, business travelers, and Ugandans in the diaspora to visit the country.

This improved accessibility is expected to enhance Uganda’s appeal as a top African travel destination, encouraging more visitors to explore its wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking experiences, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism.

Tourism remains one of Uganda’s most important economic drivers, with international tourist arrivals reaching 1,274,210 in 2023, a 56.4% increase from the previous year.

The UK has consistently been among Uganda’s top tourism source markets, and the ease of direct travel is likely to increase visitor numbers even further.

More tourists mean increased demand for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services, directly benefiting thousands of Ugandans working in the hospitality and tourism sectors. In 2023 alone, the industry supported over 610,806 jobs, and with this new flight, those numbers are expected to rise.

Beyond tourism, the direct flight is set to enhance trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and the UK. Uganda exports several key commodities, including coffee, fresh produce, and flowers, to European markets.

The faster air link will make it easier for exporters to transport perishable goods, increasing their competitiveness in the global market. British investors exploring opportunities in Uganda’s tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors will also benefit from the direct connection, thus stronger economic ties between the two nations.

This development positions Entebbe International Airport as a crucial hub in East Africa, likely attracting more travelers who combine visits to multiple regional destinations, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

In addition to economic benefits, the direct flight aligns with the global movement toward sustainable travel. Reducing layovers minimizes the carbon footprint associated with long-haul journeys, which is an important consideration for environmentally conscious travelers.

With Uganda’s emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation, the country stands to attract more responsible travelers who seek authentic and sustainable tourism experiences.

It comes at a pivotal moment for Uganda’s tourism industry, aligning perfectly with the upcoming Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025. As Uganda’s premier tourism and trade showcase, POATE presents an ideal platform to market the new direct route to key stakeholders in the global travel industry, including tour operators, investors, and international travelers.

The success of this route will depend on strategic marketing, strong partnerships, and consistent service excellence, all of which can propel Uganda to new heights as a premier African destination.