Entebbe International Airport Records Surge in Passenger and Cargo Traffic in June 2025

Entebbe, Uganda | July 2025 — Entebbe International Airport (EIA) registered significant growth in both passenger and cargo traffic in June 2025, marking one of its busiest months on record, according to data released by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).

A total of 213,217 international passengers passed through the airport in June, comprising 106,583 arrivals and 106,634 departures. This translated into a daily average of 7,107 passengers, the second-highest daily figure ever recorded at EIA — just behind the peak daily average of 7,171 seen in December 2024.

The rise in passenger numbers represents a marked increase from May 2025, when 198,052 international travelers were recorded.

Drivers of Growth

The upward trend has been attributed to multiple contributing factors, including:

• Return of Hajj Pilgrims: June saw the return of Muslim pilgrims from Mecca, a seasonal travel peak.
• Tourism Promotion: Uganda’s increasing visibility as a prime eco-tourism destination continues to drive both inbound and outbound travel.
• Expanded Uganda Airlines Routes: The national carrier’s growing network — including direct flights to Mumbai, Lagos, Abuja, and London Gatwick — has enhanced Uganda’s global connectivity.
• International Conferences: Uganda continues to host major regional and global meetings such as CHAN preparations, AFCON briefings, and the African Judges Forum.
• Improved Business and Trade Travel: EIA remains a crucial gateway for East and Central Africa, with improved passenger handling and more consistent flight schedules.

Cargo Traffic Also on the Rise

In the same month, EIA handled a total of 6,293 metric tonnes of cargo, comprising:

• 4,332 metric tonnes of exports, and
• 1,961 metric tonnes of imports.

The growth in exports is largely fueled by rising global demand for Ugandan agricultural produce — such as fresh fruits, fish, fish maws, and gold — supported by efficient airport processing and logistics systems.

On the imports side, increased cargo space availability on Uganda Airlines and other carriers has improved turnaround times and reduced costs for local businesses, boosting trade.

Looking Ahead

Officials note that these trends reflect the strategic investments in infrastructure, airline partnerships, and tourism promotion undertaken in recent years. With Uganda gearing up for several international events and continued airline route expansion, further growth is expected through the remainder of 2025.