Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has launched direct flights from Entebbe to Gatwick Airport in London, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history. This new route is expected to boost tourism and trade between Uganda and the United Kingdom, driving economic growth and development.
The revelation was made today by the Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, who noted that this is in line with the entity’s objective of expanding its flight chart to different countries across the globe. “I am elated and excited to announce the dates for the long-awaited direct flights to London by Uganda Airlines,” Bamuturaki said during the launch at Entebbe International Airport today. “This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on a course for long-term growth and expansion. It gives me great pleasure that we celebrate our 5th year with this amazing milestone,” she added.
A Boost for Tourism
The introduction of direct flights to London is a major coup for Uganda’s tourism industry. According to Amos Wekesa, a renowned Ugandan investor in the tourism sector, this move has been long overdue. Wekesa notes that Uganda has been receiving only 11,000 English tourists annually from the UK, and less than 50,000 from Europe. This is a mere 5% of the English tourists who visit Kenya and Tanzania.
However, with the new direct flights, Wekesa predicts a significant increase in tourist arrivals. He estimates that Uganda can attract between 20,000 to 40,000 English tourists annually in the short term, and up to 50% of the English tourists who visit Kenya and Tanzania within the next eight years.
Enhancing Trade and Economic Growth
The direct flights to London will also enhance trade between Uganda and the UK. This means that Uganda’s exports to the UK, such as coffee, tea, and flowers, will benefit from faster and more efficient transportation. This will not only increase trade volumes but also improve the quality of Uganda’s exports.
The increased trade and tourism activities will, in turn, drive economic growth and development. The Ugandan government has been working to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its dependence on traditional exports. The new direct flights to London will provide a significant boost to these efforts.
Uganda Airlines‘ direct flights to London mark a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history. This new route is expected to boost tourism and trade between Uganda and the UK, driving economic growth and development.
As the government continues to work towards diversifying the country’s economy, the new direct flights to London will thus provide a significant boost to these efforts.