Entebbe International Airport experienced a remarkable increase in both passenger and cargo traffic in April 2024. The airport handled a total of 164,705 international passengers, comprising 82,247 arrivals and 82,458 departures. This averages to approximately 5,313 passengers per day. This figure represents an increase of 38,515 passengers compared to April 2023, when the airport recorded 126,190 international passengers.
In addition to the surge in passenger traffic, Entebbe International Airport also saw significant activity in cargo operations. In April 2024, the airport recorded 1,768 metric tonnes of imports and 3,953 metric tonnes of exports, totaling 5,721 metric tonnes of cargo handled. This reflects Entebbe’s crucial role in facilitating international trade and the movement of goods, particularly fresh produce like fish, flowers, vegetables, and fruits, which are major exports to markets in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Middle East.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) wishes to inform the traveling public of routine maintenance activities scheduled for Runway 17/35 at Entebbe International Airport from May 22 to June 7, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Airlines that had previously scheduled flights within the specified time window have been advised to reschedule their operations accordingly. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about any changes to their flight itineraries and make necessary adjustments.
The primary objective of this maintenance activity is to ensure the continued safety and reliability of operations at Entebbe International Airport.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) hosted a pivotal Airport Stakeholders’ Meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Entebbe International Airport, aimed at amplifying passenger feedback mechanisms. This gathering, spearheaded by the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Ayub Sooma, served as a platform to foster collaboration among key entities within the aviation sector.
In his opening address, Eng. Ayub Sooma underscored the significance of a collective approach in ensuring an exceptional travel experience for passengers traversing through Entebbe International Airport. He emphasized the pivotal role that stakeholders, spanning various sectors, play in shaping the airport experience and encouraged proactive responsiveness to passenger feedback.
The meeting drew participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from Uganda Revenue Authority (Customs), Immigration, Ground Handling Companies, Airline Operators Committee, Security Agencies, Airport Medical Personnel, and Airport Taxi Operators, among others. The convergence of these stakeholders signified a unified commitment towards optimizing the passenger journey.
Agreement was reached on several measures aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. These measures encompassed improvements in immigration and customs processes, optimization of ground handling services, bolstering security protocols, and refining medical assistance provisions within the airport premises.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve in response to dynamic global dynamics, the UCAA remains steadfast in its commitment to championing initiatives that prioritize passenger-centricity and operational excellence. The outcomes of the Airport Stakeholders’ Meeting serve as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive transformation within the aviation ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Airport Stakeholders’ Meeting served as a catalyzing force for collective action, galvanizing stakeholders towards a shared vision of delivering unparalleled travel experiences at Entebbe International Airport. Through sustained collaboration and unwavering commitment, the aviation community stands poised to chart a course towards a future defined by excellence, efficiency, and customer-centricity.
The government of the Republic of Uganda is in final preparations to commence the construction of Arua Airfield into an International Airport.
The new development was announced by the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority( CAA), Fred Bamwesigye last month.
Bamwesigye was on a site inspection tour together with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport led by State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama.
The CAA boss revealed that the delegation had gone to inspect the land the organisation he leads had secured for the development of Arua Airport into an International Airport.
Minister Byamukama used the occasion to reveal that an investor to partner with the government for the project has already been secured.
Mr Bamwesigye further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed between the government and East of Eden under the Private Public Partnership framework to undertake feasibility studies and related assessments.
“I was pleased to host the Minister of State for Transport, Hon [Fred] Byamukama, the Director of Transport Ministry of Works and Transport to inspect the land CAA acquired for the development of Arua Airport into an International Airport,” the DG revealed, before adding that;
“Hon Byamukama revealed that an investor- East of Eden, had expressed interest in partnering with the government of Uganda to invest in Arua Airport. Under a PPP framework, the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct feasibility studies and related assessments.”
Arua Airport’s strategic location makes Arua Airport an important centre for passenger and cargo air traffic between Uganda and its two neighbours, the DRC and South Sudan. It is the second-busiest airport in Uganda, after Entebbe International Airport.
In July 2009, the Civil Aviation Authority, which owns and operates Arua Airport, publicly announced that it had started to upgrade the airport to international standards. Plans included a modern airport terminal with capacity for 200 passengers, paving the runway, widening it to 45 metres (148 ft), and extending it to 2.5 kilometres (8,200 ft).
However, these plans have stalled since 2009 because of a compensation dispute with local landowners.
These improvements are part of efforts to improve Arua Airport, Gulu Airport, and Kasese Airport to international standards. When these improvements are complete, Uganda will have five international airports, including the only preexisting international airport at Entebbe and the Kabalega International Airport currently being constructed.
Arua Airport is one of twelve upcountry airports administered by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It is also one of five upcountry airports authorized to handle cross-border air traffic from neighbouring countries to promote tourism within East Africa.
On May 15, 2024, the international aviation community comes together to commemorate Global Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Day, a significant occasion established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council on May 15, 1953. This day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role AIS plays in guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of global air navigation.
In celebration of AIS Day, the Civil Aviation Authority’s Aeronautical Information Management Professionals recently convened the 8th AIP Review workshop at the Horizon Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda. This event not only marked the 71st anniversary of AIS but also provided an invaluable platform for over a hundred participants from the aviation sector and various governmental departments to reflect on the enduring relevance and impact of AIS.
At the heart of AIS lies the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), a vital resource containing essential aeronautical information necessary for air navigation. From flight regulations to airport data, airspace details, and flight routes, the AIP serves as a comprehensive guide for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals worldwide.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is a government statutory entity responsible for the promotion of the safe, secure, and efficient development of Civil Aviation inside and outside Uganda.
The Authority intends to sell the following assets by public auction.
The assets shall be sold on an “as is, where is” basis and theProcuring and Disposing Entity shall not have further liability after sale.
The auction will be conducted at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Head Office located at Airport Road, Entebbe on 11 May, 2024 at 9:00am.
Interested bidders may inspect the assets at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Head Office located at Airport Road, Entebbe on 4 May, 2024from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority is not bound to accept any bid.
When it comes to air travel, having a seamless experience at the airport can make a difference in your trip. In Africa, some airports stand out for their exceptional facilities, services, and overall passenger experience.
10 best airports in Africa in 2024
Business Insider Africa presents 10 best airports in Africa in 2024
The list is courtesy of Skytrax
Durban King Shaka airport of South Africa tops the list of the best airports in Africa.
When it comes to air travel, having a seamless experience at the airport can make a difference in your trip. In Africa, some airports stand out for their exceptional facilities, services, and overall passenger experience.
Skytrax, an internationally recognized organization that assesses airlines worldwide, recently unveiled its report on the best airports globally.
According to the report, in the regional space, Durban’s King Shaka Airport in South Africa ranks as the top airport in Africa.
For the awards process, a regional airport is one that predominantly serves domestic or regional international flights. It may also serve a small number of intercontinental routes, but the primary focus is on the short-haul and regional markets.
Below are 10 best international airports in Africa in 2024:
King Shaka International Airport stands as a beacon of excellence among Africa’s best international airports. With a total floor area of 102,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft), the terminal is capable of handling 7.5 million passengers per year.
2.Marrakech Airport (Morocco)
Marrakech
Marrakech International Airport, located in Morocco, serves as a gateway to one of the country’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. The air terminals (1 and 2) are 22,000 m2 (236,806 sq ft) and designed to handle 2,500,000 passengers per year.
3.Kigali Airport(Rwanda)
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Kigali
Kigali International Airport, formerly known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport boasts modern facilities and infrastructure, including a single terminal equipped to handle various aircraft sizes.
It is also of regional importance as it serves Congolese, Burundian and Ugandan cities. Its terminal building handles a capacity of 1.5 million passengers per year.
4.Port Elizabeth Airport (South Africa)
Port Elizabeth
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The Port Elizabeth airport was once called the H. F. Verwoerd Airport. It offers flights to and from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town and East London. The airport currently handles more than 1,2 million passengers per year, over 60 000 scheduled flights and over 800 tons of cargo.
5.Bloemfontein Airport (South Africa)
Bloemfontein
Formerly known as Bloemfontein Airport, it was renamed Bram Fischer International Airport in 2012 by President Jacob Zuma. The airport offers a world-class airport operation that caters for more than 300 000 passengers and 17 000 air traffic movements per annum.
6.East London Airport (South Africa)
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East London Airport
East London Airport (ELS) is a small, but busy airport serving the city of East London, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The airport handles between 20 and 30 flights daily, which bring 946,000 people to East London each year.
7.Entebbe Airport (Uganda)
.Entebbe Airport
The British Colonial authorities opened the airport due to its strategic location on Lake Victoria. Entebbe International Airport sits directly on the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East, earning it the nickname “Airport on the Equator.”
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8.Antananarivo Airport (Madagascar)
Antananarivo Airport
Antananarivo Ivato International Airport has two main terminals: one terminal for domestic flights and one terminal for international flights. In December 2021, a new terminal opened. Antananarivo airport handled over 1 million passengers in 2019, first time in 20 years.
9.Rabat Airport (Morocco)
Rabat Airport
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Rabat Airport, situated in Salé, Morocco, serves both as a civilian and military airport, catering to the needs of Rabat, the capital city, as well as the wider region.
10.Luanda Airport (Angola)
Luanda Airport
Luanda International Airport, (IATA Airport Code: LAD) is the current international airport serving Angola’s capital city Luanda and the rest of Angola.
Overall, the project works are at 90 percent level of completion. The other pending work is expansion of Apron 1, which is at 95 percent level of completion
The project for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport stands at 90 percent level of completion, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s (UCAA) Director General, Mr Fred Bamwesigye has said.
“The major remaining project is the 20,000 square meters terminal building, currently under construction to connect to the existing terminal building and is at 60 percent level of completion. Overall, the project works are at 90 percent level of completion. The other pending work is expansion of Apron 1, which is at 95 percent level of completion,” Mr Bamwesigye said while addressing a press conference at Entebbe International Airport on Friday, April 19.
He said other earlier completed works under the $200 million project being implemented by China Communications Construction Company, CCCC include; resurfacing of runways 17/35 and 12/30 plus their associated taxiways, construction of a 100,000 tonnes capacity Cargo Centre and resurfacing of Aprons 2 and 4.
He added that on completion of the new terminal building, whose works in 2024, the terminal capacity will be enhanced from the previous maximum capacity of two million passengers a year to at least 3.5 million passengers and this will address the growing traffic.
“In March, 2024, Entebbe International Airport handled 80,719 arriving and 91,271 departing passengers, a total of 171,990 international passengers, an average of 5,548 passengers per day. This comes on the heels of increased traffic, averaging over 6,000 passengers per month in the previous three months. 6,418 passengers per day were handled in December 2023, 6,329 per day in January 2024 and 6,116 passengers per day in February 2024. 2023 recorded a total of 1.93 million passengers in comparison to the pre-COVID 19 pandemic figure of 1.8 million passengers in 2019. The new facilities and on-going projects are meant to address the growing traffic,” Mr Bamwesigye said.
Referring to the recent heavy downpour in Entebbe which caused flooding of some part of the airport’s car parking on April 6, 2024 due to backflow, Mr Bamwesigye said the viral videos, unfortunately created the wrong impression that the situation lasted for a big part of the day, yet the water drained within 30-45 minutes.
“On that particular day, the Uganda National Meteorological Authority issued a report indicating that Entebbe received rain up to 106.8 mm, the highest maximum fall recorded in a single day. Nevertheless, it is also important to note that some of the existing structures at Entebbe Airport were first put up in the 70s, and more buildings have been added as part of the infrastructure upgrade. The on-going construction of the new terminal building has a component for interconnection of the drainage system to accommodate the new developments, and all these pending works are scheduled for completion this year. The public is urged to bear with the temporary inconvenience as mitigation measures and all the projects are being finalized for a better passenger experience,” he said.
Mr Bamwesigye also urged Ugandans to be more patriotic and not pride in sharing images of that nature, which negatively impacts tourism.
The UCAA Director Airports and Aviation Security, Eng Ayub Sooma said the second phase of the expansion works, which is yet to start will include widening of the runway “from the current code 4E to code 4F so that it can comfortably accommodate the biggest commercial aircraft in the world, the Airbus A380.”
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has revealed that ongoing works for a new 20,000 square metre passenger terminal building at Entebbe International Airport are 60% complete.
Speaking to journalists during a guide tour of the ongoing expansion project at the airport, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said having completed the new passenger terminal building, they are now working on another terminal building.
“The overall works at the new 20,000 square metre terminal building currently stand at 60% but overall, expansion works at the airport are at 90% in the first phase,” Bamwesigye said on Friday.
According to Eng. Ayub Soma, Director Navigation and Airport Security at UCAA, the ongoing construction works for the new terminal building will see the facility connected to the old 30,000 square metre terminal building.
“By connecting the new terminal building to the old one, we will have increased the capacity and now we will have a 60% increase.,” Eng Soma said.
The construction
Chinese company, China Communications Construction Company was contracted to handle the expansion project of the airport at a cost of $200 million.
The expansion works include reconstruction of the main runaway and its associated taxiways, the rehabilitation of runway 1230 and its associated taxiways, rehabilitation of aprons, construction of cargo complex, construction of a new terminal building, increase water supply and storage capacity.
Speaking on Friday, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said so far most of these works are either complete or are about to be completed.
UCAA officials address journalists on Friday.
Eng. Ayub Soma said part of their efforts is to enhance the runways to the biggest in the world.
“We want to enhance the runways to be able to accommodate bigger aircraft like A380 which have larger wings and it means if we do that our runways can move to the highest type of runway that exists on earth. By doing this, we are calling in more airlines to come to Entebbe Airport,” Eng.Soma said.
The UCAA Director General however warned that there will always be inconveniences caused by the ongoing expansion works but asked the public to bear with the situation for a small time.
He also commented about the recent flooding at the airport that he said was temporary but said ongoing drainage works will help address this issue.
“This place you see is a home of water since this was a lake and was reclaimed to construct the airport. The water will always try to take to reclaim its original habitat. Those criticizing us should take into consideration these facts. It is important we don’t exaggerate but state the exact facts,” Bamwesigye said.
“We will continue expanding the airport as we did from 2 million passengers to now 3.5 million passengers per year. In future, we want to be able to accommodate 6 million passengers. We shall continue to expand these facilities because each month that passes, the number of people using the airport as passengers and other users increases.”
Nakadama commended UCAA for successfully changing the face of Entebbe International Airport with a good looking terminal that “many Ugandans are now proud of.”
The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rukia Nakadama, has urged Entebbe International Airport authorities to provide bigger space at the airport to enable Muslims conduct their prayers.
“I have been sharing with the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) that the Muslims should have a place for prayers because if you go to other international airports, there’s a praying place for Muslims,” Ms Nakadama said.
“He has assured me that in the on-going construction works, there is an adequate provision for the Muslims’ prayer place, so it is already in their plan. It is also important for other faiths, but more important for Muslims because they pray five times a day,”
She said during an Iftar-dinner hosted by UCAA in honor of the community and stakeholders at the UCAA head offices on April 3, 2024
UCAA officials address journalists on Friday.