Over 7,100 passenger passed through Entebbe Airport daily in June as Uganda air traffic rebounds

ENTEBBE - Entebbe International Airport recorded a sharp increase in passenger traffic in June 2025, signalling renewed economic activity and growing international confidence in Uganda as a travel and business destination.

According to the latest statistics released by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), a total of 213,217 international passengers passed through the airport during the month: 106,583 arrivals and 106,634 departures.

This translates to a daily average of 7,107 passengers, making June the second busiest month on record after December 2024, which posted a daily average of 7,171 travelers.

In comparison, May 2025 saw a total of 198,052 international travellers, including 97,568 arrivals and 100,484 departures.

The month-on-month increase reflects a sustained rebound in air travel following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years and ongoing improvements in the aviation sector.

UCAA spokesperson Vianney Mpungu Luggya attributed the surge in traffic to several factors, including: 

•  The return of Ugandans from the diaspora and holidaymakers

•  Increased tourism activities driven by marketing campaigns

•  The growing number of international conferences hosted in Uganda

•  Expansion of routes and frequencies by Uganda Airlines

•  Improved connectivity with regional and global hubs

“The figures are promising and show consistent growth in aviation and tourism,” Luggya said, adding: “We continue to witness more Ugandans travelling for business, education and leisure, while also welcoming international visitors exploring the Pearl of Africa.”

Strong export cargo performance

In addition to passenger traffic, the airport recorded significant volumes in air cargo. A total of 6,293 metric tonnes of cargo were handled in June 2025.

This comprised 4,332 metric tonnes of exports and 1,961 metric tonnes of imports, a clear indication of Uganda's increasing role as a net exporter.

“The consistent trend of higher exports than imports is a positive indicator,” Luggya noted. “It contributes to a favourable trade balance and boosts the country’s foreign exchange earnings.”

Key export commodities through Entebbe include fresh produce such as fish, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which are highly demanded in European and Middle Eastern markets.

Sector outlook

Aviation analysts say the growth in passenger and cargo traffic is closely linked to broader economic recovery, especially in tourism, international trade and regional integration.

Uganda has been actively promoting itself as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), alongside its natural attractions such as mountain gorillas, national parks, and cultural heritage. 

According to the tourism ministry, foreign visitor numbers are projected to rise further in the second half of 2025 as global travel stabilises and confidence returns.

Meanwhile, the airport has undergone major upgrades in recent years, including expansion of the passenger terminal, runway upgrades, and improved cargo handling facilities.

These efforts are part of the country's plan to position itself as a regional aviation hub in East Africa.

UCAA says it remains committed to improving service delivery and safety standards in line with international aviation requirements