KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Airlines has secured over 500 bookings for its much-anticipated Entebbe-to-London Gatwick route, set to launch on May 18th. This milestone marks a significant step in the airline’s expansion into long-haul operations.
Interest in the route has soared, with bookings confirmed well into December 2025 and even extending into 2026.
“We have had over 500 bookings ticketed from the time we announced the route to now,” said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki. “London is a very mature market; Europe is a mature market. We have bookings as far as December 2025 and even into 2026.”
Bamuturaki credited some of the demand to recent media controversy surrounding the route. Last month, unverified reports suggested the British Government had revoked Uganda Airlines’ Gatwick clearance due to Uganda’s human rights record.
“Interestingly, the bad publicity worked in our favor,” she noted. “When people saw the false reports, they became curious and booked flights to see if the claims were true.”
Many of the bookings are for return flights from London to Entebbe, with passengers securing tickets through processed credit card transactions.
The launch of the London route represents a game-changer for Uganda Airlines as it expands its international footprint. Bamuturaki stressed the need for continuous improvement to ensure the route’s long-term success.
“We must do things differently. Transit must be easier, and several operational adjustments are needed,” she stated.
Despite challenges, Bamuturaki remains confident that the London-Gatwick route will be a key driver of Uganda Airlines’ growth, solidifying its presence in global aviation.
