Entebbe International Airport is showing strong signs of growth in the first half of 2025. According to the latest data, international passenger numbers rose significantly compared to the same period in 2024. Between January and June this year, the airport welcomed 550,439 international arrivals and recorded 582,927 departures, making a total of 1,133,366 international passengers. This is an increase from 1,069,224 passengers in the first half of 2024 — showing a 4.3% rise in arrivals and an even stronger 7.6% growth in departures.
Cargo traffic at Entebbe Airport also continued to grow. The airport handled a total of 33,622 metric tonnes of goods, including 22,844 tonnes of exports and 10,778 tonnes of imports. This represents an increase from the same period in 2024, which saw 32,794 tonnes of cargo moved through the airport. Export volumes went up by 2.1%, while imports rose by 3.5%. Uganda’s main exports remain fish, flowers, vegetables, and other fresh produce — key contributors to the country’s economy.
Aircraft movements followed the same upward trend. The number of takeoffs and landings grew from 15,223 in the first half of 2024 to 15,922 in 2025, marking a 4.6% increase. This reflects increased demand for both travel and cargo transport.
However, not all indicators pointed upward. Overflights — which are flights that pass through Uganda’s airspace without landing — dropped by 3.6%. From 12,359 overflights in early 2024, the number fell to 11,917 this year. This decline is largely due to the partial reopening of Sudanese airspace. When Sudan’s airspace was closed, many airlines were forced to reroute through Uganda. Now, with the Sudanese skies opening again, some flights have returned to their original paths, reducing overflight traffic over Uganda.
Overall, the data shows that Entebbe International Airport is bouncing back and growing steadily in terms of passenger numbers, cargo movement, and aircraft activity. This growth is a positive sign for Uganda’s economy, tourism, and trade sectors.
