After days of uncertainty for international travellers, Uganda Airlines has moved to restore confidence in its long-haul operations, announcing the resumption of flights to London and Mumbai following a brief but disruptive suspension.
The national carrier confirmed in a travel update issued on March 5 that the intercontinental services will return to the skies on March 7, 2026, bringing relief to passengers whose travel plans had been interrupted.
The restoration follows the acquisition of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Ethiopian Airlines under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement to support the airline’s long-haul operations.
“We are pleased to announce the reinstatement of our long-haul operations to London, United Kingdom and Mumbai, India effective March 7, 2026,” the airline said in a statement.
The disruption began in late February after one of the airline’s Airbus A330-800neo aircraft developed a technical issue that required extensive inspection and maintenance. The precautionary suspension forced the airline to temporarily halt its intercontinental operations while engineers conducted detailed safety checks on the fleet.
Industry officials said the decision to suspend the flights reflected a safety-first approach, allowing engineers to carry out thorough technical assessments to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
For travelers, the interruption meant rescheduled journeys, delayed trips and, in some cases, rerouting through partner airlines. Uganda Airlines acknowledged the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their patience during the disruption.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience, loyalty and continued support of our guests during the recent temporary disruptions,” the airline said.
To ease the burden on affected customers, the carrier has introduced free ticket revalidation for passengers whose long-haul flights were disrupted.
While flights to London and Mumbai are returning, the airline said services to Dubai remain under review as operational assessments continue. Passengers have been advised to follow updates through the airline’s official website and social media platforms.
The resumption is particularly significant for Uganda’s international connectivity. The Entebbe–London route, launched in 2023 with direct flights to London Gatwick Airport, restored a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade.
Meanwhile, the Entebbe–Mumbai route remains a vital corridor for trade, business travel and the growing number of Ugandans seeking specialized medical treatment in India.
With long-haul services returning, Uganda Airlines hopes to stabilize its international schedule and reassure travelers that safety and reliability remain central to its operations.
