Uganda’s aviation sector has demonstrated robust growth in the first half of 2025, with Entebbe International Airport recording a significant surge in international passenger and cargo traffic.
According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), this positive trend underscores Uganda’s increasing prominence as a regional hub and reflects the ongoing efforts to bolster air connectivity and trade.
Vianney Lugya, the UCAA Manager for Public Affairs, revealed that between January and June 2025, Entebbe International Airport processed a total of 1,133,366 international passengers, a notable increase from the 1,069,224 recorded in the same period of 2024.
“This growth translates to a 4.3% rise in international arrivals (550,439 passengers) and a 7.6% surge in international departures (582,927 passengers) year-on-year,” Lugya noted, adding, “This upward trajectory in passenger numbers is a clear indicator of a recovering and expanding travel market, supported by intensified tourism promotion and increased business travel to Uganda.”
Soaring Cargo Traffic Fuels Exports
The latest updates from the UCAA indicate that Uganda’s air cargo sector also experienced an upward trend, crucial for its export-driven economy.
Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 33,622 metric tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025, up from 32,794 tonnes in 2024.
On the other hand, exports continued to dominate, reaching 22,844 metric tonnes (a 2.1% increase), while imports rose to 10,778 metric tonnes (a 3.5% increase).
According to the UCAA, Uganda’s major air exports include high-value goods such as fish, flowers, vegetables, and fresh produce, highlighting the airport’s vital role in facilitating international trade and generating foreign exchange.
The overall increase in activity is further reflected in aircraft movements, which grew by 4.6%, from 15,223 in H1 2024 to 15,922 in H1 2025. This surge, the UCAA observed, signifies greater operational activity and enhanced connectivity at Uganda’s primary international gateway.
Navigating Regional Airspace Dynamics
While most indicators point to strong growth, overflights at Entebbe International Airport experienced a slight decline of 3.6%, from 12,359 in H1 2024 to 11,917 in H1 2025.
This reduction is primarily attributed to the partial reopening of Sudanese airspace. The previous closure had necessitated longer contingency routes for airlines operating between the Middle East, Southern Africa, and Latin America, passing through Ugandan airspace.
With the partial reopening, some of these airlines have reverted to more direct routes, explaining the marginal decrease in overflights.
Despite this specific adjustment in overflight patterns, the overall performance figures for Entebbe International Airport in the first half of 2025 paint a robust picture of growth across passenger traffic, cargo volumes, and aircraft movements.
These statistics highlight Uganda’s strategic position in East Africa’s aviation landscape and its sustained efforts to expand air travel and trade, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development.