Entebbe Airport records over 1 million passengers in first half of 2024

The Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Mr Fred Bamwesigye, has revealed that Entebbe Airport recorded 1,069,224 international passengers in the first half of 2024.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Mr Bamwesigye said this about 160,000 passengers more than 842,429 recorded in the same period of January to June 2023.

Of the 1,069,224 international passengers, 527,692 were arriving and 541,532 were departing.

Aircraft movements were 15,223 in January to June 2024 compared to 14,575 in January to June 2023, reflecting a 4.4% growth, while overflights were 12,359 in January to June 2024 compared to 11,203 in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 10.3% growth.

On the other hand, transit passengers were 53,559 in January to June 2024 compared to 57,469 in January to June 2023, reflecting a decline of -6.8%.

Cargo traffic also surged, with a total of 32,794 metric tonnes handled in the first half of 2024, marking an impressive growth in both exports and imports.

“Export cargo grew by 18.9%, while import cargo saw a remarkable 46.2% increase. Despite the growth trends, exports have generally remained higher than imports in the last four years,” Bamwesigye  said.

“It is good to see such strong growth in both passenger and cargo traffic. The numbers demonstrate the airport’s importance in fostering international travel, tourism and trade. We look forward to continuing to serve our passengers and customers with provision of world-class facilities and services,” he added.

In terms of infrastructure, he said the project for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is progressing well, and is standing at 92% level of completion, overall.

As part of the same project, both runways were already resurfaced, a new 100,000 tones capacity cargo centre completed in 2021, and Aircraft Aprons, 2, 4, and 5 (cargo Apron completed). Pending works are on the main Apron 1, which has been expanded (currently at 96%) and the new terminal building connecting to the current terminal, whose works are on-going and at 65% level of completion.

As part of further enhancement of service provision, a new Business Class facility is currently being erected within the terminal building and this will be completed by early next year.