Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 189,130 international passengers, comprising 94,320 arrivals and 94,810 departures in the month of April , according to the Acting Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority , Mrs. Olive Birungi Lumonya.
Cargo traffic also registered encouraging growth, with exports amounting to 3,389 metric tonnes and imports reaching 1,434 metric tonnes, resulting in a total throughput of 4,823 metric tonnes during the month.
Lumonya attributed the strong performance to the gradual reopening of Middle Eastern airspace, following earlier disruptions armed conflicts in the region .
“Uganda’s aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth. The strong performance reflects the continued recovery and expansion of air travel demand and underscores Uganda’s growing connectivity to regional and international markets,” she stated
The Acting DG was addressing a public hearing at the 53rd UCAA Board Of Directors meeting to review 15 applications for air services licences in Uganda held at Protea hotel in Kampala.
Lumonya further stated that Uganda continues to make strategic investments in aviation infrastructure, including the ongoing expansion and modernization of Entebbe International Airport, as part of government’s commitment to developing a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport system.
She stressed that Uganda’s robust aviation sector will continue to supports national development objectives through improved connectivity, enhanced passenger facilitation and service delivery, increased airport capacity, promotion of trade and tourism, and strengthening the country’s position as a regional aviation hub.
“We are also encouraged by the continued growth of Uganda Airlines, which remains a strategic national asset in advancing Uganda’s connectivity objectives,” she said.
The airline currently serves fifteen (15) international destinations and has been designated under various bilateral air services arrangements to operate to twenty-three (23) destinations which include Algeria, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
Others destinations are , Iceland, India, Kenya, Latvia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“These achievements demonstrate the progress that Uganda has made in expanding access to international markets and strengthening its integration into the global aviation network,” Lumonya added.
Dr. Justice Dr. Steven B.K. Kavuma said that beyond the domestic market, Uganda continues to strengthen its international aviation footprint and has concluded Air Services Agreements with sixty-four (64) countries, creating a framework that facilitates international connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment.
“As a result of these agreements, twenty (20) international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, linking Uganda to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia,” Kavuma revealed .
He said that the 20 scheduled international connections play a vital role in supporting economic growth and positioning Uganda as a gateway within the region.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Kavuma noted , success will increasingly depend on collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
“The Authority therefore encourages licensed operators to explore opportunities for cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, interline agreements, and other commercial partnerships that can enhance connectivity, improve operational efficiencies, and increase passenger and cargo traffic.”
He said that the Authority remains committed to maintaining a regulatory environment that promotes safety, security, fair competition, and sustainable growth. “We recognize that a thriving aviation sector is essential to achieving Uganda’s broader economic development objectives and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.”
