Entebbe International Airport in Uganda experienced a historic surge in passenger traffic in August 2025, setting a new monthly record and underscoring the airport’s growing importance as a key regional aviation hub. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the airport welcomed a total of 243,089 international passengers in August, breaking the previous record set just one month earlier.
Passenger Traffic Performance
The August 2025 figures include 116,507 arrivals and 126,582 departures, which averages out to approximately 7,841 passengers daily. This performance surpasses the July 2025 record of 230,577 passengers, which included 119,127 arrivals and 111,450 departures, averaging 7,437 daily passengers.
| Month | Total Passengers | Arrivals | Departures | Daily Average Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 243,089 | 116,507 | 126,582 | 7,841 |
| July 2025 | 230,577 | 119,127 | 111,450 | 7,437 |
| December 2024 | 222,301 | ~111,000 | ~111,000 | 7,171 |
The data shows a consistent upward trajectory, reflecting a steady recovery and expansion of Uganda’s aviation activities post-pandemic.
Key Drivers of Growth
The surge in passenger numbers has been attributed to several factors:
-
Sports Tourism: Major events like the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon attracted participants and spectators internationally.
-
International Conferences: High-profile international events including the Vision Zero Conference and Uganda Buildcon International Expo brought a significant number of business travelers.
-
Leisure and Business Travel: A rise in both leisure and business trips facilitated by improved airline connectivity and expanding route networks.
-
Enhanced Infrastructure: Continued investments in airport services and facilities have helped accommodate and manage this increased traffic efficiently.
Cargo Traffic
Alongside passenger growth, cargo volumes at Entebbe Airport have remained robust. In August 2025, the airport handled a total of 5,257 metric tonnes of cargo—3,247 metric tonnes of exports and 2,010 metric tonnes of imports. Fresh produce remains the dominant export commodity, reinforcing Uganda’s role in global agricultural trade.
| Cargo Type | Volume (Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Exports | 3,247 |
| Imports | 2,010 |
| Total | 5,257 |
Year-to-Date Performance
From January to August 2025, Entebbe International Airport recorded 550,439 international arrivals and 582,927 international departures, totaling 1,133,366 passengers. This represents a 4.3% increase in arrivals and a 7.6% increase in departures compared to the same period in 2024, which had a total of 1,069,224 passengers.
| Year | Arrivals | Departures | Total | Growth (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Jan-Aug) | 527,692 | 541,532 | 1,069,224 | – |
| 2025 (Jan-Aug) | 550,439 | 582,927 | 1,133,366 | +4.3% arrivals, +7.6% departures |
Conclusion
Entebbe International Airport’s record passenger traffic in August 2025 is a clear indicator of Uganda’s expanding influence as an air travel and trade hub in East Africa. The growth is driven by a combination of tourism, business travel, international events, and strengthened airport infrastructure. Meanwhile, the sustainment of robust cargo volumes signals a balanced development that supports Uganda’s trade economy.
With planned expansions and continued improvements, Entebbe Airport is well-positioned to maintain and possibly exceed this growth trend, further enhancing Uganda’s connectivity to the world and boosting economic opportunities nationally and regionally.
This record-breaking month marks a milestone in Uganda’s aviation sector, highlighting positive investor confidence and the country’s rising profile as a preferred destination in Africa.