FAMReports News Desk | July, 2025
Entebbe International Airport has reported an extraordinary surge in passenger traffic, handling 213,217 international travelers in June 2025 alone, making it the second-highest monthly average in the airport’s operational history.
According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), this figure breaks down into 106,583 arrivals and 106,634 departures, translating to an average of 7,107 daily passengers. This daily throughput is only slightly lower than the record set in December 2024, when the airport averaged 7,171 passengers per day.
Speaking on the development, Mr Vianney Luggya, Manager of Public Affairs at UCAA, attributed the passenger growth to several contributing factors.
“The growth in passenger traffic is attributed to various factors, including the return of Hajj pilgrims, increased tourism promotion, and a rise in business activities and conferences,” Mr Luggya said.
This marks a continued upward trend in international travel through Uganda’s primary aviation gateway. The June figures indicate strong travel recovery momentum following the global slowdown experienced in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical disruptions.
Cargo Traffic Also On The Rise
Alongside the surge in passenger numbers, the airport also experienced increased cargo handling operations. A total of 6,293 metric tonnes of cargo passed through the airport in June 2025. Of this, 4,332 metric tonnes were exports, showcasing Uganda’s expanding role in regional and international trade, while 1,961 metric tonnes were imports, reflecting growing domestic consumption and industrial demand.
Mr Luggya emphasized the importance of these developments in strengthening Uganda’s economic resilience and international connectivity.
“We are thrilled to see such impressive numbers and attribute this growth to our continued efforts to improve our services and facilities,” he noted.
The UCAA also believes that the current growth trajectory is just the beginning. With sustained improvements in infrastructure, service quality, and strategic partnerships, Uganda is positioning Entebbe International Airport as a competitive regional hub for air travel and cargo transport.
Infrastructure Upgrade Plans Underway
To accommodate the growing number of travelers and cargo volumes, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority is implementing a series of upgrades aimed at modernizing the airport’s infrastructure and services. These include expansions to the passenger terminal, improved cargo handling facilities, enhanced security protocols, and digital innovations to streamline operations.
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“The airport’s performance is expected to continue growing, with plans underway to expand and upgrade its facilities to meet the increasing demand,” Mr Luggya confirmed.
Tourism stakeholders have also welcomed the news, noting that improved accessibility and efficiency at the country’s main airport serve as a crucial pillar for promoting Uganda as a premier tourist destination. With the resurgence of regional and international tourism, facilitated by aggressive marketing campaigns and bilateral travel agreements, Entebbe’s performance may soon surpass historical records.
Strategic Importance in the Region
Entebbe International Airport serves as the main international gateway for Uganda and plays a pivotal role in connecting East Africa to global destinations. Its strategic location, combined with ongoing operational and infrastructural improvements, reinforces its growing importance in the region’s air transport landscape.
As Uganda continues to attract more tourists, investors, and returning nationals, the airport’s improved capacity and performance are key to sustaining national development objectives, especially in sectors such as tourism, trade, and business travel.
The UCAA has pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders, including airline operators, tourism boards, freight handlers, and government agencies, to maintain momentum and ensure that Entebbe remains responsive to global aviation standards and passenger needs.
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