Entebbe International Airport continues to soar as a critical hub for international travel and trade in East Africa, with recent data showing significant growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.
According to a statement from Vianney Mpungu Luggya, spokesperson for the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the airport facilitated 185,466 international passengers in April 2025, averaging 6,182 passengers per day.
This marks a 12.6% increase from the 5,490 daily average recorded in April 2024, reflecting a robust recovery for Uganda’s aviation sector following the global downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth in passenger numbers aligns with a broader trend of recovery and expansion at Entebbe. In 2024 alone, the airport handled over 2 million international passengers between January and November, a 17.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023, as reported by Monitor.
August 2024 saw a historic peak with 212,701 passengers, the highest monthly figure in the airport’s history, averaging 6,861 passengers per day.
This surge has been attributed to Uganda hosting major international events like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China Summit in 2024, alongside a stable economic environment boosting international trade and tourism.
Cargo traffic has also seen a steady rise, with April 2025 recording 6,098 metric tons of cargo (2,088 tons of imports and 4,010 tons of exports) up 6.6% from 5,721 tons in April 2024.
The consistent dominance of exports over imports underscores the airport’s role in supporting Uganda’s economy through trade.
In August 2024, the airport handled 5,410 metric tons of cargo, with exports (3,525 tons) significantly outpacing imports (1,885 tons), a trend that continued into 2025.
However, the rapid growth has not come without challenges. Social media reactions to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s updates reveal passenger concerns about the airport’s infrastructure.
Some of the passengers pointed out issues with the airport lounges, noting excessive heat due to inadequate cooling, and the concerning state of the washrooms.
In response, Luggya assured that maintenance on the air conditioning systems was completed on May 30th, 2025, promising a “noticeable difference” for travelers. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing improvements as the airport handles increasing traffic.
Entebbe International Airport, located 40 kilometers southwest of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, remains Uganda’s sole international gateway.
The airport’s history, from its origins under British Colonial authorities to its modern expansion, reflects its evolving role in connecting Uganda to the world.
However, past controversies, such as reports of stringent loan repayment terms from China’s Exim Bank for a $200 million expansion project, have raised questions about the airport’s financial sustainability.
As Entebbe International Airport continues to break records, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) faces the dual challenge of sustaining growth while addressing infrastructure bottlenecks.
With passenger numbers on track to surpass 2024’s figures and cargo exports driving economic gains, the airport’s trajectory signals a bright future for Uganda’s aviation sector if it can keep pace with the demands of its travelers.
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