Uganda’s Entebbe Airport Achieves Record Passenger, Cargo Growth

Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport has recorded its highest-ever passenger and cargo traffic, according to data released by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).

In August, the airport, the country’s primary international airport, recorded 243,089 international passengers, with 116,507 arrivals and 126,582 departures, surpassing July’s previous total of 230,577 passengers.

Cargo movements have also surged, driven by increased exports of flowers, fish, and manufactured goods.

Vianney Luggya, UCAA’s public affairs manager, attributed the growth to several factors, including Uganda’s hosting of international conferences, ongoing tourism promotion, and new flight connections.

“The entry of new air operators like Flynas, which launched direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe in January 2025, along with Uganda Airlines’ sustained operations on new routes, has contributed to this upward trend,” he said.

In 2024, Entebbe handled 2,243,104 international passengers, up from 1,932,094 in 2023. From January to September 2025, the airport recorded 1,822,849 international travelers.

To meet growing demand, Phase II of the Entebbe International Airport expansion is now underway, backed by a $125 million investment.

The project includes constructing a second passenger terminal and upgrading existing facilities to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Upon completion, the airport’s capacity will increase to 3.5 million passengers annually, with a long-term target of five million by 2029.

Uganda Airlines was launched in 2018. With a fleet of Airbus A330neos and Bombardier CRJ900s, the airline now connects to 14 countries, serving 18 destinations across 21 routes.

Adopted from: Aviation Week Network October 21, 2025