London Gatwick has been making headlines lately, with new gates, fresh flights, and Gulf Air beefing up its presence. But today, we’ve got something even juicier. A new airline is touching down at LGW, and it’s none other than Uganda Airlines. Yep, the Pearl of Africa’s flag carrier is making its grand entrance. Here’s everything you need to know.
In This Post
Uganda Airlines: A Quick Lowdown
Before we dive in, let’s get to know the new kid on the Gatwick block.
- Full Name: Uganda National Airlines Company Limited
- IATA Code: UR
- Founded: 2019 (originally 1977, ceased operations in 2001, then made a comeback in 2019)
- HQ: Entebbe, Uganda
- Main Hub: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
- Alliance: None (for now)
- Frequent Flyer Program: Not yet, but one’s cooking
Uganda Airlines is still a fresh-faced airline by global standards, but it’s making moves. Relaunched in 2019 after an 18-year hiatus, the airline is wholly state-owned and operates from its home base at Entebbe International Airport.
The Fleet & Where It Flies
Uganda Airlines isn’t exactly swimming in aircraft, but what it does have is pretty slick:
- 4 Bombardier CRJ900s (regional African routes)
- 2 Airbus A330-800neos (long-haul workhorses)
- 1 Airbus A320-200
The airline mainly connects African hotspots, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, and Kinshasa, but it’s been eyeing global expansion. It already flies to Dubai and has ambitious dreams of reaching London, Guangzhou, and Mumbai.
Side note: Those A330-800neos? Rare birds. Most airlines prefer the bigger A330-900neos, but Uganda Airlines is rocking the baby version.
Entebbe to Gatwick: The Details
Starting 18 May 2025, Uganda Airlines will land at Gatwick four times a week with its A330-800neo. Expect some serious flexibility with flight times because why make it easy?
First A330-800 Neo Uganda Airlines 🇺🇬 #AvGeek #Africa #Toulouse pic.twitter.com/xT8uFW4ROj
— Aviation Toulouse (@Frenchpainter) December 1, 2020
Outbound (UR110) – Entebbe (EBB) → London Gatwick (LGW)
- Tuesday: Departs 02:05 AM → Arrives 07:35 AM
- Wednesday: Departs 12:25 AM → Arrives 07:55 AM
- Friday: Departs 03:10 AM → Arrives 10:40 AM
- Sunday: Departs 09:25 AM → Arrives 04:55 PM
Return (UR111) – London Gatwick (LGW) → Entebbe (EBB)
- Tuesday: Departs 09:40 AM → Arrives 09:10 PM
- Wednesday: Departs 09:50 AM → Arrives 09:20 PM
- Friday: Departs 12:40 PM → Arrives 12:10 AM (next day)
- Sunday: Departs 07:05 PM → Arrives 06:35 AM (next day)
The Verdict
Uganda Airlines launching at Gatwick is a big deal. It gives London another direct connection to East Africa, and with the airline’s fresh fleet and solid ambitions, it might shake things up. The big question is how will the fares stack up against the competition? Will the onboard product be worth it? Stay tuned because WingTips will be watching.
Would you book a seat on Uganda Airlines? Let’s hear it in the comments.
