Uganda Airlines will restart long-haul flights to London and Mumbai from March 7, 2026, after arranging a temporary wet-lease with Ethiopian Airlines to cover its fleet maintenance gaps.
The airline’s Airbus A330-800 aircraft have been undergoing maintenance after technical issues, including engine checks and turbine blade inspections, caused intermittent grounding since December 2025. To maintain service continuity, Uganda Airlines leased a Boeing 787-8 from Ethiopian Airlines, which will operate the London and Mumbai routes for about two months while repairs are completed.
The wet-lease arrangement provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, ensuring uninterrupted long-haul services. The leased 787-8 has a 270-seat configuration, slightly larger than Uganda Airlines’ A330-800s, though it does not include the airline’s premium economy section.
Flights to Dubai remain under review, and passengers are advised to monitor official channels for updates. Those affected by previous disruptions are offered free ticket revalidation.
Uganda Airlines said the arrangement helps maintain crucial passenger and cargo links to major international hubs and supports trade and travel connections to Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East.
The airline thanked travellers for their patience and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring stable and reliable long-haul operations.
