Entebbe International Airport has recorded a major milestone in the first half of 2025. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the airport handled a total of 1,133,366 international passengers between January and June this year. This includes 550,439 arrivals and 582,927 departures, marking a clear increase from the 1,069,224 passengers recorded during the same period in 2024.
The rise in numbers shows a growing confidence in Uganda as both a tourism hotspot and a global business center. International arrivals rose by 4.3%, while departures went up by 7.6% compared to last year. This growth reflects positively on the country’s efforts to boost travel and promote tourism.
The airport also saw growth in cargo traffic. In the first six months of 2025, 33,622 metric tonnes of cargo passed through Entebbe, including 22,844 tonnes of exports and 10,778 tonnes of imports. This is a small but steady increase from 32,794 tonnes handled during the same period in 2024. Uganda continues to export fresh produce such as fish, flowers, and vegetables to international markets.
Aircraft activity is also on the rise. There were 15,922 aircraft movements between January and June this year, up from 15,223 movements in 2024, showing a 4.6% increase. However, overflights—flights that pass over Uganda without landing—dropped by 3.6%, going from 12,359 in early 2024 to 11,917 in 2025. The decline is partly due to Sudan reopening part of its airspace, which has redirected some flight paths back through Sudan rather than Uganda.
UCAA spokesperson Mr. Vianney Luggya said these trends are a sign of steady progress in both aviation and national development. He emphasized the authority’s continued commitment to improving passenger services, airspace safety, and cargo handling operations.
Entebbe International Airport remains Uganda’s main gateway to the world, currently handling over 90% of the country’s international air traffic. The strong numbers recorded in the first half of 2025 are a good sign of recovery, growth, and opportunity for the nation.
