Entebbe International Airport recorded 178,383 international passengers in March 2025, reflecting a steady rebound in air travel and a promising trajectory for Uganda’s aviation sector. The monthly figures, comprising 83,661 arrivals and 94,722 departures, represent an increase of 6,393 passengers compared to March 2024, when the airport handled 171,990 travellers. This translates to a daily average of 5,754 international passengers.
According to officials at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the increase is attributed to a combination of factors including Uganda’s hosting of international conferences, robust tourism campaigns, and the expansion of airline operations.
Among the most notable developments is the entry of Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, Flynas, which began direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe in January 2025. The airline has also recently launched a cargo service, further boosting operations at Uganda’s main gateway. Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, has also contributed to the growth by expanding its regional route network.
Despite the positive March figures, passenger traffic has shown variability in recent months. February 2025 saw a dip in numbers, recording 161,095 international travellers—down from 175,630 in February 2024. January 2025, on the other hand, defied the seasonal lull, registering 216,740 passengers—the second highest monthly total in Entebbe’s history.
UCAA spokesperson Vianney M. Luggya emphasized that such fluctuations are typical in the aviation industry. “It is normal for some months in a year to record higher traffic figures than others, as travel depends on seasons, including winter and summer schedules, among other factors,” he noted. “Some months, like November, December, and January, are usually peak seasons for travel. June, July, and August are some of the other busy periods due to various reasons.”
Cargo activity has also remained robust, reinforcing Entebbe’s role in regional trade. In March 2025, the airport handled 5,852 metric tonnes of cargo, including 1,965 tonnes of imports and 3,887 tonnes of exports. The figures underscore a consistent trade surplus and the airport’s growing importance as a hub for agricultural and industrial exports.
In response to the growing numbers, Entebbe has undergone significant infrastructure enhancements. “The airport has adequate capacity to deal with the growing numbers,” Luggya said. “Facilities were recently expanded with the completion of the modified terminal, which is currently in use. A new terminal building connecting to the current facilities is also due for completion later this year, and it will enhance terminal capacity to at least 3.5 million passengers a year.”
As Entebbe shows signs of recovery and growth in the post-pandemic era, the airport finds itself in an increasingly competitive regional environment. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, for example, handled over 1.5 million international arrivals in 2024. Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa is approaching its 25 million annual passenger capacity, while Kigali International Airport’s expansion project aims to handle up to 8 million passengers annually.
These developments position Entebbe within a dynamic East African aviation landscape, where infrastructure upgrades, route diversification, and increased air connectivity are reshaping travel and commerce across the region.
