Entebbe International Airport Sees Steady Growth in Passenger and Cargo Traffic in March 2025
By Naome Namusoke/kmaupdates
Entebbe, Uganda — Entebbe International Airport recorded a steady increase in international passenger traffic in March 2025, handling a total of 178,383 international passengers, according to data from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). This figure includes 83,661 arriving passengers and 94,722 departing passengers, averaging 5,754 passengers per day.
The March 2025 numbers represent an increase of 6,393 passengers compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded 171,990 international passengers. This growth reflects a positive trend despite February 2025 witnessing a slight dip in numbers, with 161,095 passengers recorded, compared to 175,630 in February 2024.
Passenger traffic patterns at Entebbe International Airport in 2025 have so far been marked by fluctuations. January 2025 set a strong tone for the year, registering 216,740 international passengers, the second-highest monthly traffic recorded in the airport’s history.
Industry analysts attribute the growth in March to several key factors, including Uganda’s hosting of major international conferences, aggressive tourism promotion, and increased airline activity. New entrants like Flynas, which began direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe in January 2025, have expanded the airport’s international connectivity. Additionally, Uganda Airlines has maintained and grown operations on new routes, supporting the rising passenger numbers.
In terms of cargo traffic, Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 5,852 metric tonnes in March 2025. This comprised 1,965 metric tonnes of imports and 3,887 metric tonnes of exports, with exports once again outpacing imports. The dominance of export volumes not only highlights Uganda’s increasing production and competitiveness in international markets but also brings in valuable foreign exchange earnings, boosting the national economy.
The Civil Aviation Authority has noted that while the trends remain mixed across different months, the overall trajectory suggests resilience and recovery in the aviation sector, which was severely impacted during the global pandemic years.
As Uganda continues to attract more international travelers and cargo traffic through strategic partnerships, improved air services, and infrastructural development, Entebbe International Airport is set to play an even more pivotal role in the region’s aviation and economic growth.
