Entebbe sets new monthly passenger record, driven by events and tourism

August 21, 2025 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Entebbe International Airport has set a new milestone, processing 230,577 passengers in July 2025, the highest monthly traffic number recorded in three decades.

According to data from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the July figures surpassed the previous record of 222,301 passengers registered in December 2024. Arrivals stood at 119,127, slightly ahead of 111,450 departures, translating into an average of 7,437 travellers per day.

A mix of international events, tourism campaigns, and expanded airline services helped propel the surge. The influx of delegations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), hosted in Uganda earlier this year, added to the momentum, while a series of high-profile conferences in Kampala attracted foreign delegates. Enhanced connectivity, with airlines opening new routes and adding frequencies, also widened Entebbe’s reach.

Numbers were also supported by Uganda Airlines’ new London Gatwick service, which has gained early traction with an average load factor approaching 40 percent in July. Gulf carrier Qatar Airways maintained double daily frequencies on four days of the week during the summer peak, further strengthening long-haul connectivity.

“The figures for July demonstrate the growing confidence of travellers in Uganda as a destination for tourism, business, and international events,” said Vianney Luggya, UCAA’s manager for public affairs, noting that sustained growth is likely as international carriers deepen their operations.

Beyond passenger flows, Entebbe also reinforced its role in trade logistics. The airport handled 5,863 metric tonnes of cargo in July, with exports accounting for 3,961 tonnes and imports for 1,902 tonnes. Analysts point to this balance as evidence of Uganda’s balance of trade position as the country pivots towards export-led growth.

While passenger traffic typically peaks during festive periods such as December, the July record underscores a broader shift: Uganda is drawing more year-round international traffic, driven not only by leisure travel but also by business, sports, and conferencing.