Diana KIbuuka 
Entebbe International Airport has registered a significant number of international passengers totaling to 1,069,224 between January and June 2024. Out of that total number, 527,692 were arriving Passengers while 541,532 were departing passengers. According to such figures, there are 226,795 more passengers who used Entebbe airport this year compared to the same period last year when 842,429 passengers were registered.
This was revealed by Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, the director general for Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) during a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon at the Airport’s VIP lounge. He added that there are 182,494 passengers also registered at the airport during the month of July 2024.
The press conference was also attended Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, the UCAA deputy director general, Eng. Ayub Sooma, the director for airports and aviation security, Mr. Emmanuel Barungi the general manager for Entebbe airport as well as Mr. Vianney Luggya the UCAA public relations manager.
During the media engagement, the deputy director general Lumonya expressed optimism about the increase in tourism numbers, going by the increase in passenger traffic recorded at Entebbe Airport. She added that the growth in passenger and cargo traffic demonstrates the airport’s importance in fostering international travel, tourism and trade.
Cargo
During the same media engagement, it was revealed that cargo traffic at Entebbe airport also saw a significant boost, with a total of 32,794 metric tons recorded in January to June 2024. Eng. Sooma stated that exports were more than imports.
“We handled 22,380 metric tonnes of exports and 10,414 metric tonnes of imports. Exports have generally remained higher than imports in the last four years,” noted Eng. Sooma. During the same period (January to June) for the previous year, 25,951 metric tonnes of cargo were registered at Entebbe airport. In July this year 2024, Entebbe airport recorded cargo traffic of 4,123 metric tonnes of exports and 1,618 metric tonnes of imports, a total of 5,741 metric tonnes.
Aircraft movements
According to Mr. Bamwesigye, the UCAA boss, aircraft movements were 15,223 in January to June 2024 compared to 14,575 during the same period in 2023, reflecting a 4.4% growth. “Overflights were 12,359 in January to June 2024 compared to 11,203 in the same period last year reflecting a 10.3% growth,” he added. On the other hand, transit passengers were 53,559 in January to June 2024 compared to 57,469 in January to June 2023.
Infrastructure development
Emmanuel Barungi, the general manager for Entebbe airport, noted that the overall upgrade and expansion of Entebbe airport stands at 92% completion. According to Barungi, both runways are already resurfaced as well as aircraft aprons 2,4 and 5 plus the 100,000 tonnes cargo complex which was completed in 2021.
“Pending works are on the main apron 1, which has been expanded but standing at 96% completion and the new terminal building connecting the current terminal,” he explained. As part of further enhancement of service provision, a new business class facility is currently being erected within the terminal building.
The UCAA officials noted that stakeholder engagements have been stepped up, with all various service providers and facilities at Entebbe airport. These include airlines, ground handlers, immigration officials, customs officials, security and all concessionaires to ensure timely resolution of passenger complaints in order to ensure a better passenger experience.
About The Author
