Entebbe International Airport recorded its first significant traffic slowdown in recent years during the first half of 2026, with international passenger numbers falling by 10.8pc as a combination of geopolitical tensions, health concerns and airline operational disruptions weighed on Uganda’s aviation sector.

Data from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) shows that the country’s main gateway handled 1,010,961 international passengers between January and June 2026, down from 1,133,366 during the same period in 2025.

The decline represents the most notable reversal in passenger growth since the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to UCAA Manager for Public Affairs Vianney Luggya Mpungu, the downturn reflects a convergence of extraordinary external shocks rather than weakening demand for Uganda as a destination.

“June traffic recorded a lower figure than the same month last year. Half year isn’t any better due to the closure of parts of the Middle East airspace in March and the subsequent events,” Luggya said.

The closure of sections of Middle East airspace following heightened regional tensions forced airlines to reroute flights, disrupted global schedules and increased operating costs, effects that cascaded across African aviation networks heavily dependent on Gulf carriers for onward connections.

For Uganda, the situation was compounded by the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and the limited spillover into Uganda in May this year.

Although Uganda quickly contained the outbreak, the health scare prompted several countries to tighten travel measures. Dutch carrier KLM temporarily suspended flights to Entebbe, while Uganda closed its border crossings with the DRC to contain the disease, disrupting cross-border passenger movements and forcing Uganda Airlines to suspend its Entebbe-Kinshasa operations.

The crisis also affected travel beyond the region after the United Arab Emirates cancelled visas for Ugandan travellers, reducing demand on one of Entebbe’s busiest long-haul corridors.

Uganda Airlines faced additional challenges when its Airbus A330 fleet was grounded during the first quarter of 2026, disrupting services and reducing feeder traffic from its London route, one of the airport’s fastest-growing international markets.

But the combined effects extended beyond passenger numbers. International cargo imports fell 15.8pc to 9,079 tonnes, while exports declined 26.5pc to 16,797 tonnes, reflecting softer regional trade flows and disruptions to international logistics.

Commercial aircraft movements and domestic travel, however, provided some of the few bright spots in the first-half performance. Commercial aircraft movements increased from 15,922 in the first six months of 2025 to 17,669 over the same period this year, representing growth of almost 11pc. Domestic passenger traffic rose by 28.7pc, from 11,251 to 14,476 passengers, while transit traffic grew by 11.4pc to 51,677 passengers. The increase in transit volumes may reflect airlines and travellers routing through Entebbe as disruptions across parts of the Middle East prompted adjustments to traditional travel corridors, including traffic between South Asia and Europe.

June’s monthly performance illustrates the challenges facing the airport. During the month, Entebbe handled 67,601 arriving and 63,645 departing international passengers, alongside 1,419 tonnes of imports and 2,721 tonnes of exports.

Industry observers expect traffic to recover during the second half of the year as Middle East airspace restrictions ease, international airline schedules stabilise and confidence in regional travel continues to improve following the end of Ebola-related restrictions.

Even so, the first-half figures underscore how vulnerable African aviation remains to external shocks originating far beyond the continent’s borders, from geopolitical conflicts to public health emergencies, and the extent to which such events can ripple through tourism, trade and national airline operations.

The post Entebbe Traffic Slips 10.8pc as Middle East Turmoil Disrupts Global Travel Flows appeared first on 256 Business News.

Uganda’s drive towards integrated digital mobility took another step forward on Monday with the launch of a cashless school transport solution that allows students to pay bus fares using smart wristbands while giving parents real-time visibility over their daily journeys.

The initiative, dubbed Cashless School Days, was launched at Kololo Secondary School through a partnership involving Kiira Motors Corporation’s public transport subsidiary EBus Xpress, MTN Uganda, HelloBooth by Sparklab and other technology partners.

The programme introduces wearable wristbands that enable students to board and disembark buses without handling cash. Parents can load transport funds through MTN Mobile Money and receive notifications confirming when their children begin and complete each trip.

Paul Isaac Musasizi, the founding Chief Executive Officer of Kiira Motors Corporation, described the initiative as an example of “how innovation can be deployed to address everyday challenges faced by families.”

According to Musasizi, the partners were united by a common objective of using technology to make student mobility safer, simpler and more connected while giving parents greater oversight of school transport.

The system allows parents to load transport fares through a mobile phone using flexible payment options that can be tailored to daily, weekly, monthly or termly transport requirements.

Students simply tap their wristbands when boarding and again when alighting from the bus, creating a digital record of each journey.

The launch reflects a growing convergence between Uganda’s mobility, fintech and digital services sectors as operators seek to move more transactions into cashless ecosystems.

To encourage adoption, participating students will receive a 50 percent fare subsidy during the introductory phase. A journey that would ordinarily cost UGX2,000 will cost UGX1,000.

Musasizi noted that the initiative extends digital payment habits already familiar to many parents who routinely use Mobile Money platforms to pay school fees and other household expenses.

By integrating payments with transport services, he said, the programme introduces greater convenience, transparency and control into daily family routines.

“Cashless School Days is a step forward in how we think about mobility for families. It is about safety, convenience and giving parents better control, while continuing to drive cashless adoption in everyday life.”

The school transport solution builds on MTN Uganda’s broader collaboration with EBus Xpress, through which commuters can already purchase bus tickets electronically using mobile phones.

Beyond the immediate convenience of cashless fare collection, the programme addresses growing concerns around student safety, cash handling and accountability in school transport operations.

Industry observers say such solutions could become increasingly important as Uganda’s urban population expands and schools, transport operators and parents seek more efficient ways to manage student mobility.

The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to accelerate digital financial inclusion and promote smart mobility solutions capable of supporting Uganda’s rapidly growing urban centres.

For Kiira Motors, whose ambitions extend beyond vehicle manufacturing into integrated mobility services, the project offers a glimpse of how technology, payments and transport can be combined to create more connected transport ecosystems.

The post Kiira Motors, Partners Launch Cashless School Transport System appeared first on 256 Business News.

Uganda expects to receive the completed first phase of Kabalega International Airport by the end of July, marking a major milestone in the country’s ambitious aviation infrastructure programme.

Speaking at the 53rd Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Board Air Services Licensing Committee meeting in Kampala on Friday, Acting Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya said Phase I of the airport project in Hoima is now 98 percent complete and on track for handover by July 31.

The licensing committee was meeting to consider 15 applications for air service licence applications, comprising five renewals and ten new applications, as Uganda seeks to expand aviation services alongside major investments in airport infrastructure.

“Government is also making significant progress on the development of Kabalega International Airport. Phase I of the project is now 98 percent complete and is expected to be finalised by 31st July 2026,” Lumonya said.

She added that government has already moved to fast-track parts of the second phase in preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“In preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, Government has decided to accelerate part of the Phase II works, particularly the construction of the passenger terminal building. The contractor is expected to assume site on 1st July 2026, with completion scheduled for March 2027 to ensure readiness for the tournament,” she said.

The update comes as Uganda intensifies investments in aviation infrastructure aimed at boosting tourism, trade and regional connectivity. Construction of the airport, which forms part of the Kabaale Industrial Park and the head of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), started in 2019, with an envisaged 36 months construction period. But progress was interrupted by the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic in early 2020, occasioning prolonged delays and cost overruns.

Lumonya revealed that government has embarked on an ambitious programme to upgrade six priority airports across the country, including Kidepo, Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Kisoro and Pakuba.

“I am pleased to report that on 5th June 2026, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda officially commissioned the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District. This landmark project, valued at over USD 72 million and funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates, represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s aviation development agenda,” she said.

According to Lumonya, the new airport will be developed to international standards and is expected to transform the Karamoja sub-region.

“Upon completion, Kidepo International Airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a modern passenger terminal building covering 7,408 square metres, a cargo terminal of 74,200 square metres, and other supporting infrastructure,” she said.

“The project is expected to greatly enhance tourism, trade, investment, and socio-economic development within the Karamoja sub-region and the country at large.”

She also revealed that project preparation for the redevelopment of Arua, Gulu and Kasese airports has been completed and government is mobilising financing for implementation, while Kisoro and Pakuba remain at the project preparation stage.

The Acting Director General said the expansion and modernisation of Entebbe International Airport continues as part of broader efforts to position Uganda as a regional aviation hub.

“In April 2026, Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 189,130 international passengers, comprising 94,320 arrivals and 94,810 departures. This performance reflects the continued recovery and expansion of air travel demand and underscores Uganda’s growing connectivity to regional and international markets,” she said.

Cargo traffic also recorded growth, with exports reaching 3,389 metric tonnes and imports 1,434 metric tonnes during the month.

The Authority also reported progress on other infrastructure projects, including the completion of runway, taxiway and apron upgrades at Jinja Airport and the near completion of terminal modernisation works at Pakuba Airport.

“At Pakuba Airport, modernisation of the terminal building has reached 97 percent completion and is progressing satisfactorily,” Lumonya said.

Beyond infrastructure, UCAA is also reviewing regulations governing air service licensing, competition and consumer protection.

“The revised Civil Aviation Regulations are designed to strengthen Uganda’s aviation sector by ensuring that competent and financially sound operators participate in the market, promoting safety, reliability, and sustainability,” she said.

“They also seek to foster fair competition by creating a level playing field that encourages innovation, efficiency, and investment, while enhancing consumer protection through stronger safeguards for passenger rights, including provisions relating to flight delays, cancellations, baggage handling, refunds, and fare transparency.”

Addressing the same meeting, UCAA Board Chairperson Justice Dr. Steven Kavuma said continued demand for operating licences reflects growing confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry.

“The continued interest by operators in obtaining Air Service Licences is a strong indicator of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector and its future prospects,” Kavuma said.

He noted that Uganda currently has 25 licensed air operators providing passenger, cargo, flight training, aerial work and private aviation services.

Kavuma said Uganda has significantly expanded its international aviation relationships, signing air services agreements with 64 countries.

“To date, Uganda has concluded Air Services Agreements with sixty-four countries, creating a framework that facilitates international connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment,” he said.

“As a result of these agreements, twenty international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, linking Uganda to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.”

The UCAA Board Chair also highlighted the growing international reach of Uganda Airlines, describing the national carrier as a strategic asset.

“We are also encouraged by the continued growth of Uganda Airlines, which remains a strategic national asset in advancing Uganda’s connectivity objectives. The airline currently serves fifteen international destinations and has been designated under various bilateral air services arrangements to operate to twenty-three destinations,” he said.

Kavuma urged operators to pursue greater collaboration through commercial partnerships and codeshare arrangements to strengthen Uganda’s position within the global aviation network.

“As the aviation industry continues to evolve, success will increasingly depend on collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. The Authority therefore encourages licensed operators to explore opportunities for cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, interline agreements, and other commercial partnerships that can enhance connectivity, improve operational efficiencies, and increase passenger and cargo traffic,” he said.

The post Kabalega Airport Nears Completion as Uganda Accelerates Aviation Expansion appeared first on 256 Business News.

Uganda has exported its first consignment of chilled cut meat to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a new step in the country’s efforts to expand value-added agricultural exports to Middle Eastern markets.

The 2,500-kilogram shipment departed Entebbe International Airport aboard a direct Flynas flight in the early hours of May 26 and arrived in Riyadh ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations, a peak consumption period for meat products across the Gulf region.

The export was facilitated by Jet Fresh Cargo in partnership with Nakasongola-based Pearl Meat Industries.

Industry players say the shipment is significant because it moves Uganda beyond exporting full animal carcasses toward higher-value processed meat products packaged to international retail standards.

Unlike previous exports, the latest consignment consisted of portioned chilled meat packed in cartons.

“This is the first time we are exporting Ugandan meat packed in cartons,” said Wail Dagash, Managing Director of Jet Fresh Cargo.

“It may appear like a small adjustment, but it is a significant step in the right direction for value addition and demonstrates the adaptability of Pearl Meat Industries in responding to the requirements of the Middle Eastern market,” he added.

The development comes slightly over a year since Flynas launched direct passenger flights between Entebbe and Saudi Arabia, creating faster cargo connections for Ugandan exporters targeting Gulf markets. Each flight can offer up to 3.5 tons of cargo capacity, which translates into 10.5 tons of freight to Saudi Arabia weekly.

According to Jet Fresh Cargo, the direct Entebbe-Riyadh route has significantly reduced transit times for perishable exports.

Previously, shipments to Saudi Arabia often passed through multiple transit airports, extending delivery times to as much as 15 hours. The direct route now cuts the journey to roughly four hours.

Dagash said the shorter transit period is particularly important for chilled meat exports, which typically have a shelf life of about 14 days.

“Every hour counts because reduced transit time means extended shelf life and better product quality upon arrival,” he said.

Uganda’s livestock sector has increasingly been seeking access to higher-value export markets as the country attempts to diversify export earnings beyond traditional commodities.

The Middle East remains one of the largest importers of halal meat globally, creating opportunities for East African suppliers with certified processing facilities and efficient cold chain logistics. Pearl Meat Industries has secured all relevant Halal certifications and  indemnities for its for meat exports into Saudi Arabia.

Jet Fresh Cargo says it has already handled more than 500,000 kilograms of Ugandan fresh produce exports to Saudi Arabia since the launch of the direct Flynas route.

The exports include fruits, vegetables, fish fillets and other perishable products sourced from Ugandan producers.

Industry stakeholders say improved air connectivity is gradually strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness in time-sensitive agricultural exports where freshness and delivery speed are critical.

The latest shipment also highlights growing investment in cold chain logistics and agro-processing infrastructure needed to support Uganda’s export diversification agenda.

Jet Fresh Cargo has positioned itself as a logistics provider for Uganda’s perishables export sector, handling chilled meat, fish and fresh produce shipments to regional and international markets.

The company is also the exclusive air cargo logistics provider for Pearl Meat Industries.

Exporters say expanding value-added meat exports could increase earnings for livestock farmers and processors while helping Uganda move away from dependence on low-value raw commodity exports.

However, analysts note that sustained growth in the sector will depend on Uganda’s ability to maintain international sanitary standards, improve processing capacity and strengthen refrigerated transport infrastructure.

The post Uganda exports first consignment of chilled cut meat to Saudi Arabia appeared first on 256 Business News.

Uganda’s electric mobility sector attracted an additional USD 15.6 million in investment in 2025, pushing cumulative investment in the industry to more than USD 175 million since 2018, according to the newly released E-Mobility Outlook Report 2025 prepared by the Mobility Bureau under the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President.

The report paints a picture of a sector transitioning from experimentation to industrial scale, driven by heavy public investment, expanding local manufacturing and a rapidly growing battery-swapping network.

Government investment accounted for 68.6 percent of cumulative capital injected into the sector between 2018 and 2025, underlining the state’s central role in building foundational infrastructure and de-risking the industry for private investors.

The report noted that public funding has been critical in establishing industrial capacity, supporting innovation and creating conditions for commercial participation in Uganda’s emerging electric mobility ecosystem.

One of the sector’s biggest milestones in 2025 was the commissioning of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, which significantly boosted Uganda’s electric vehicle manufacturing capability.

According to the report, Uganda’s combined EV production capacity has now risen to approximately 79,000 units annually, marking a major leap in the country’s industrial ambitions.

More than 20,000 electric vehicles were produced locally during 2025, representing roughly 25 percent utilisation of installed manufacturing capacity.

Analysts say the figures indicate substantial room for growth as demand for electric mobility solutions expands across Uganda and the wider East African region.

The report also highlighted major progress in charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, particularly for electric motorcycles, which are increasingly becoming central to Uganda’s urban transport transition.

Uganda quadrupled its battery-swapping network during the year to more than 540 stations nationwide, achieving approximately 80 percent district coverage by the end of 2025.

The rapid rollout is expected to ease range anxiety, reduce charging downtime and accelerate adoption of electric boda bodas and commercial fleets.

The report further positioned Uganda as an emerging regional exporter of electric mobility technology following the successful completion of the “Made in Uganda Trans-Africa Electric Expedition.”

The expedition tested Ugandan-built electric vehicles across multiple African countries and validated the technology for continental deployment.

According to the report, the expedition directly contributed to securing a commercial order for 450 electric buses, strengthening Uganda’s positioning as a regional supplier of e-mobility solutions.

Employment within the sector also expanded sharply during the year.

Direct jobs in Uganda’s e-mobility industry surpassed 2,100 by the end of 2025, while indirect employment linked to manufacturing, logistics, charging infrastructure and maintenance exceeded 20,000 jobs.

The report said the sector’s growth is increasingly contributing to industrial skills development, technology transfer and youth employment.

Financial performance among leading players in the ecosystem also strengthened significantly.

Combined revenues generated by key e-mobility companies increased nearly six-fold from USD 5 million in 2024 to USD 29.7 million in 2025.

Tax remittances by major industry players more than doubled over the same period, rising from UGX 11.7 billion to UGX 24.2 billion.

Officials say the figures demonstrate the growing commercial viability of Uganda’s electric mobility ecosystem and its potential contribution to domestic revenue mobilisation.

The report comes as governments across Africa intensify efforts to reduce fuel import dependence, cut urban pollution and transition toward cleaner transport systems.

Uganda has increasingly positioned electric mobility as part of a broader industrialisation and energy transition strategy anchored around local manufacturing, renewable energy and technology innovation.

Industry observers say the next phase of growth will likely depend on scaling private investment, expanding consumer financing options and strengthening regional export markets for locally manufactured electric vehicles and components.

The post Uganda’s e-mobility investment tops $175 million as EV production capacity surges appeared first on 256 Business News.

Uganda has officially launched an electric commuter bus service in Kampala, signalling a shift toward clean urban mobility and positioning the country within a growing regional transition to electric public transport.

The service, unveiled on May 3 by Works and Transport Minister Edward Katumba Wamala, introduces the first of five planned circuits in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), with operations beginning along a bi-directional route linking Ntinda to City Square via Kampala Road.

Operated by E-Bus Xpress, a subsidiary of Kiira Motors Corporation, the system debuts with an initial fleet of eight electric buses and a target waiting interval of 15 minutes at boading points. The service also incorporates a fully cashless payment system, reflecting a broader push toward digitised urban transport.

The rollout follows a pilot phase in Jinja launched in December 2024 and marks Kampala’s entry into an electric mobility shift already underway in cities such as Nairobi, Kigali, Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa.

Speaking at the launch, Katumba Wamala described the initiative as a cornerstone of Uganda’s broader economic and infrastructure strategy, linking modern transport systems to productivity, environmental sustainability and cost efficiency.

He said the transition to electric mobility is intended to reduce reliance on imported fuel while stabilising commuter costs through the use of domestically generated electricity.

“Every electric mile driven is capital saved from fuel imports,” he said, adding that predictable fares would shield commuters from volatility in global oil markets.

The government has set an ambitious target to scale the system nationwide by June 2030, deploying 1,500 electric buses across 14 urban centres supported by a network of 260 fast-charging stations.

At the centre of the rollout are the Kayoola electric buses, manufactured locally by Kiira Motors, a move the government says supports industrialisation while advancing energy sovereignty.

Beyond transport, authorities are positioning the initiative as an economic catalyst. The project is expected to create opportunities in areas such as service centres, park-and-ride infrastructure and mobile money operations, alongside a franchise-based model aimed at integrating informal and formal transport systems.

The Kampala launch comes as Uganda accelerates implementation of its National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which targets rapid economic expansion and improved urban efficiency as part of a long-term strategy to grow the economy.

Officials argue that modernising public transport will be critical to easing congestion in Kampala while improving productivity and quality of life in one of East Africa’s fastest-growing cities.

The E-Bus Xpress system is also expected to contribute to emissions reduction in the transport sector, aligning with broader regional and global efforts to decarbonise mobility.

With the first circuit now operational, attention shifts to scaling the model across the capital and replicating it in other cities—testing both the commercial viability of electric mass transit and the government’s capacity to deliver large-scale urban transport reform.

If successfully implemented, the programme could redefine Uganda’s public transport landscape, moving it toward a more structured, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable system.

The post Uganda launches electric bus service in Kampala, targets nationwide rollout by 2030 appeared first on 256 Business News.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus posted a sharp decline in first-quarter earnings for 2026, as fewer commercial aircraft deliveries and persistent supply chain disruptions—particularly shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines—dragged down profitability despite strong demand and a solid performance from its defence business.

The company reported consolidated revenues of €12.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, down 7 percent from €13.5 billion in the same period last year. EBIT Adjusted, Airbus’ preferred measure of underlying operating performance, fell 52 percent to €300 million from €624 million, while reported net income declined 26 percent to €586 million.

Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said the results reflected a difficult but manageable operating environment.

“The Q1 results reflect the lower level of commercial aircraft deliveries and a strong performance in our Defence and Space division. The operating environment remains dynamic and complex,” Faury said, noting that Airbus was also closely monitoring the fast-changing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The aerospace giant delivered 114 commercial aircraft during the quarter, down from 136 in Q1 2025. These included 19 A220s, 81 A320 Family aircraft, three A330s and 11 A350s.

The lower delivery volumes pushed revenues from Airbus’ commercial aircraft division down 11 percent to €8.4 billion, while EBIT Adjusted for the segment plunged to just €81 million from €494 million a year earlier.

Airbus said the main constraint continues to be engine supply shortages from Pratt & Whitney, which are slowing the production ramp-up of the A320 Family programme.

The manufacturer said it still expects to reach a production rate of between 70 and 75 A320 Family aircraft per month by the end of 2027, before stabilising at 75 aircraft monthly. It also maintained its target of producing 13 A220 aircraft per month by 2028.

Despite weaker earnings, customer demand remained robust. Gross commercial aircraft orders rose to 408 aircraft from 280 a year earlier, while net orders nearly doubled to 398 aircraft after cancellations. Airbus’ total commercial aircraft backlog now stands at 9,037 aircraft, underlining continued global demand for new-generation fuel-efficient fleets.

Its Defence and Space division provided a major cushion during the quarter, with revenues rising 7 percent year-on-year to €2.8 billion. EBIT Adjusted for the segment climbed 69 percent to €130 million, supported by stronger profitability across all business units and rising global defence demand.

Order intake by value in Defence and Space nearly doubled to €5 billion from €2.6 billion, largely driven by the Air Power business unit.

Airbus Helicopters remained broadly stable, posting revenues of €1.6 billion with deliveries increasing slightly to 56 units from 51. However, EBIT Adjusted slipped to €65 million from €78 million due to higher research and development spending.

The group’s free cash flow position, however, deteriorated sharply. Free cash flow before customer financing fell to negative €2.5 billion compared to negative €310 million in the same quarter last year. Airbus attributed this mainly to the lower delivery levels and planned inventory build-up linked to production ramp-ups across programmes.

Its gross cash position stood at €25.2 billion at the end of March, down from €27.2 billion at the end of 2025, while net cash declined 19 percent to €9.8 billion.

Even with the weak start to the year, Airbus left its full-year 2026 guidance unchanged, signalling confidence that production will improve in the coming quarters.

The company is still targeting around 870 commercial aircraft deliveries for the year, EBIT Adjusted of around €7.5 billion and free cash flow before customer financing of about €4.5 billion.

Analysts say the maintained guidance suggests Airbus expects supplier bottlenecks to ease gradually, though risks remain elevated due to global trade tensions, tariff uncertainties and geopolitical instability.

The company said its outlook assumes no additional disruptions to global trade, air traffic, supply chains or internal operations and already factors in the impact of currently applicable tariffs.

With its order book stretching years into the future, Airbus remains one of the strongest barometers of global airline confidence. But the first quarter results show that even strong demand cannot fully offset production constraints in an industry still navigating post-pandemic supply chain realities.

The post Airbus profits slump as engine shortages and lower deliveries weigh on Q1 performance appeared first on 256 Business News.

In the run-up to event which will involve some 300 participants, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East said, “Aviation has the potential to do much more to enable Africa’s economic and social development. Improving safety, harmonizing regulations, and reducing costs while increasing operational efficiency are at the top of the agenda for this edition of the IATA Focus Africa Conference.”

He said, “The demand to support a three to four percent growth annually is there. Focus Africa aims to align the continent’s aviation stakeholders in taking the pragmatic steps needed to turn potential into a sustainable reality.”

This year’s theme ‘Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa’ reflects a shared mission to transform challenges into opportunities and build a resilient, future-ready aviation ecosystem across the continent.

Discussions will revolve around other key themes including Safety Enhancement, specifically strengthening safety standards and oversight to ensure secure skies for all.

Also Stronger Connectivity in terms of boosting intra-African routes, harmonizing regulations, and supporting the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Participants will discuss how to aim for Efficient Operations in streamlining processes, embracing digital innovation, and improving cost-effectiveness across the value chain.

Ethiopian Airlines hosted the inaugural Focus Africa Conference in 2023. Since then, IATA’s Focus Africa initiative has led several key developments for African aviation. These include support for the roll-out of Advance Passenger Information (API) for identity and Passenger Name Record (PNR) programs in 12 African countries, numerous safety initiatives across the region.

There were also new settlement operations in Sierra Leone and South Sudan (BSP) and in Ghana and Ivory Coast (CASS). The introduction of the IATA Easy Pay in Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Congo, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone, where market development has been hindered by limited payment options for agents and cash flow challenges for airlines, has also eased operational bottlenecks.

The Addis conference will take stock of these and other advancements while identifying the critical next steps in the development of Africa’s aviation sector.

The post African aviation stakeholders converge on Addis Ababa for IATA conference appeared first on 256 Business News.

A sudden windstorm of unusual intensity swept through Entebbe International Airport early Friday morning, overturning a light aircraft and sharpening concerns about the growing volatility of weather patterns as global temperatures continue to rise.

The storm, described by meteorological authorities as a waterspout system originating over Lake Victoria, struck the airport’s apron area with unusual force. One light aircraft was left inverted on Apron 04 at the old airport, while another was pushed into the grass, escaping damage.

According to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), no injuries were reported and scheduled flight operations continued without disruption.

“On the morning of Friday, April 10, 2026, strong winds were experienced in the vicinity of Entebbe International Airport. The adverse weather impacted a light aircraft, which was parked on Apron 04. No one sustained injuries,” said UCAA Public Affairs Manager Vianney Luggya Mpungu.

He added that technical teams are assessing the extent of the damage in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Meteorological officials, operating under the Ministry of Water and Environment, indicated that the system had been tracked hours earlier. An orange-level weather alert was issued around 2am for the Entebbe area, warning of potentially severe conditions driven by south-easterly winds.

Preliminary findings suggest the gusts overwhelmed tie-down anchors securing aircraft parked in the open, pointing to the limits of ground handling resilience under extreme weather conditions.

Images taken at the old terminal of Entebbe International Airport show a light aircraft flipped over and lying inverted on the tarmac, with visible deformation to its left wing, underscoring the force of the windstorm that swept through the airfield.

The incident also reportedly caused damage to some vehicles within the airport vicinity, although UCAA said it could not immediately confirm the extent of those losses.

Located on the Entebbe peninsula along the shores of Lake Victoria, the airport is periodically exposed to volatile weather patterns, including thunderstorms and strong wind systems generated over the lake.

While the latest event did not disrupt scheduled flights, it underscores growing operational risks linked to extreme weather events and raises questions around infrastructure robustness, early warning utilisation, and ground safety protocols.

Authorities say a full assessment is ongoing, with findings expected to inform future mitigation measures.

The post Severe windstorm sweeps through Entebbe, overturns light aircraft appeared first on 256 Business News.

Global aviation demand extended its upward trajectory in February 2026, with Africa emerging as the standout performer across both passenger travel and air cargo, reinforcing the continent’s growing role in global aviation flows.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by 6.1pcyear-on-year, outpacing a 5.6% increase in capacity. This pushed the global load factor to a record 81.4pc for February, signalling resilient demand despite mounting geopolitical uncertainty.

Africa, though still accounting for just 2.2pc of global traffic, recorded the fastest passenger growth at 11.9pc. Capacity expanded by 13.1pc, however, dragging load factors down to 75pc and pointing to a market still building toward fuller utilisation.

International demand rose 5.9pc, supported by seasonal travel such as Lunar New Year traffic and strong Europe–Asia routes, while domestic markets grew 6.3pc, driven largely by Brazil and China.

Beneath the growth, pressures are mounting. Willie Walsh said rising fuel costs, tight capacity and disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict are already pushing fares higher and forcing airlines to adjust network deployment.

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1pc, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact that it will have on airline prospects,” Walsh said.

Air cargo mirrored the positive trend. Global demand rose 11.2pc year-on-year, outpacing capacity growth of 8.5pc supported by pre-Lunar New Year shipments and improving trade conditions.

Africa again led all regions, with cargo demand surging 21.0pc alongside a 17.3pc increase in capacity, underscoring the continent’s rising importance in global supply chains.

The Africa–Asia corridor stood out, recording a 61.9pc increase—its eighth consecutive month of growth—highlighting deepening trade ties and a gradual reconfiguration of logistics routes.

Stronger macroeconomic signals reinforced cargo demand, with global goods trade up 5.2pc in January and manufacturing activity remaining in expansion territory in February.

Still, uncertainty persists. Disruptions to key cargo hubs, fuel volatility and geopolitical tensions could temper momentum in the months ahead.

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1pc, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact that it will have on airline prospects,” Walsh added.

Overall, February’s data points to an aviation sector that is expanding—but cautiously. For Africa, leading growth in both passenger and cargo markets signals more than recovery; it reflects a gradual, if still modest, shift in global aviation dynamics.

The post Africa leads global air travel and cargo demand surge in February appeared first on 256 Business News.