Overview:

Export shipments account for bulk of 5,999 tonnes of freight handled as international passenger traffic averages 5,132 daily.

ENTEBBE: Entebbe International Airport handled 153,968 international passengers in September 2026, reflecting sustained activity at the country’s main aviation gateway amid growing passenger and cargo traffic.

The figures, released by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), translate into an average of 5,132 passengers arriving at and departing from the airport daily during the month.

Of the total passengers handled, 79,386 were arrivals, compared to 74,582 departures, indicating that incoming traffic exceeded outbound movement by 4,804 passengers.

The airport also recorded significant activity in cargo operations, handling 5,999 metric tonnes of freight during the period, with exports accounting for the larger share.

Export cargo stood at 3,746 tonnes, while imports amounted to 2,253 tonnes, highlighting the airport’s importance in facilitating Uganda’s international trade, particularly the movement of goods to overseas markets.

According to the authority, overall cargo traffic grew by 27.83 per cent compared to the previous figures, largely driven by increased outbound shipments.

The export performance is significant for Uganda’s trade sector, which relies on air transport to move time-sensitive and high-value products to international markets.

Air cargo is particularly important for agricultural exports, including fresh produce, fish and other perishable commodities that require reliable and relatively quick transportation to preserve their quality and meet international market requirements.

The passenger figures also underscore Entebbe International Airport’s importance as Uganda’s principal connection to regional and international destinations, serving business travellers, tourists, returning residents and other international visitors.

The higher number of arrivals compared to departures could also point to increased inbound travel during the month, although the figures alone do not establish the reasons behind the movement.

The growth in passenger and cargo traffic comes as Uganda continues to position tourism, exports and investment as key drivers of economic expansion.

Entebbe International Airport, managed by UCAA, remains central to these ambitions, providing the country’s main international air transport link and facilitating the movement of people and goods.