By Spy Uganda
Entebbe International Airport (EIA) recorded a significant rise in international traffic in June 2025, handling 213,217 passengers — the second-highest monthly average in the airport’s history.
According to data from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the figures included 106,583 arrivals and 106,634 departures, averaging 7,107 passengers daily. This impressive number trails only December 2024, which saw a record average of 7,171 daily passengers.
The June statistics mark a noticeable jump from May 2025, when the airport registered 198,052 passengers (97,568 arrivals and 100,484 departures). The growth is attributed to a mix of religious, economic, and international engagements.
Several key factors contributed to the surge:
Hajj Season Returnees: June marked the return of hundreds of Ugandan Muslims from Mecca, pushing up inbound traffic.
Expanded Airline Connectivity: Uganda Airlines’ growing international footprint — with new direct routes to London Gatwick, Mumbai, Lagos, and Abuja — is making Entebbe a more accessible hub for global travelers.
Tourism Promotion: Aggressive marketing of Uganda as a premier tourist destination continues to drive both inbound and outbound travel.
International Conferences & Events: With Uganda hosting high-level events such as the African Judges Forum, CHAN preparations, and AFCON pre-engagements, the capital saw an influx of delegates and officials.
Business and Trade Travel: Reliable flight schedules and upgraded airport services have made Entebbe a top choice for regional business travelers, linking Uganda with East and Central African markets.
In cargo, Entebbe Airport processed a total of 6,293 metric tonnes in June — including 4,332 tonnes of exports and 1,961 tonnes of imports.
Agricultural exports continue to dominate, with products like fruits, fish, fish maws, and gold driving outbound cargo. Improved cargo handling and processing services at EIA have made it an increasingly preferred exit point for Uganda’s growing agro-export sector.
On the imports side, the availability of belly cargo space on both Uganda Airlines and other international carriers has helped reduce shipping costs and improve delivery timelines for Uganda’s business community.
With consistent growth in both passenger and cargo traffic, Entebbe International Airport is further cementing its role as a major aviation hub in the Great Lakes region — signaling a strong rebound for Uganda’s travel, trade, and tourism sector.
