Entebbe International Airport Passenger Traffic Surges in 2024

Entebbe International Airport has experienced an increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the airport handled a total of 1,251,724 foreign passengers from January to July.

UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye announced the figures at a press conference, highlighting an increase of 226,795 in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. Among the arrivals and departures, 527,692 were inbound passengers, while 541,532 were outbound.

Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of UCAA and a board member of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), attributed the rise in passenger traffic to increased tourism activity in Uganda. She noted that a tourist is typically a traveler who stays overnight in the country for less than a year, and the growth in foreign visitors bodes well for the tourism industry.

In addition to passenger traffic, Entebbe Airport also witnessed a substantial increase in cargo traffic. Between January and June 2024, the airport handled 32,794 metric tons of cargo, with exports exceeding imports. Eng. Ayub Sooma, head of airports and aviation security, reported that 10,414 metric tons of imports and 22,380 metric tons of exports were processed during this period.

To accommodate the growing traffic, Entebbe Airport has been undergoing a significant renovation and expansion project. According to Emmanuel Barungi, the general manager, the project is 92% complete, with key infrastructure improvements already in place. The airport is now focusing on completing the main apron and the new terminal building, which will include a business class facility and a prayer room.