With the help of expanding infrastructure, rising passenger and cargo traffic, and a supportive regulatory environment, Uganda’s aviation sector is still thriving.
There are currently 26 licensed operators and 18 international scheduled operators serving the nation.
Ten operators received Air Services Licenses (ASL) from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) in 2024, comprising three license renewals and seven new licenses.
Premier Airlines, one of the newcomers, started operating flights between Juba and Entebbe on December 5, 2024. Kush Air then started operating on the same route on December 6, 2024.
In September 2024, Uganda Airlines added flights to Lusaka, Abuja, and Harare, further growing its network. Flynas joined the market on January 16, 2025, with flights connecting Riyadh and Entebbe.
In the future, UCAA has revealed plans to start direct flights between Entebbe and Gatwick Airport in London by the middle of 2025.
Additionally, air traffic performance has significantly improved, outperforming pre- and post-COVID standards.
International passenger traffic increased to 2,243,104 between January and December 2024, up from 1,932,094 in 2023, according to UCAA report.
In the same way, freight volumes increased from 59,073 metric tonnes in 2023 to 67,731 metric tonnes in 2024.
Comparing the growth to pre-COVID levels in 2019, when there were 64,731 metric tonnes of goods and 1,802,107 foreign passengers, makes it even more noteworthy.
International passenger traffic increased to 2,243,104 between January and December 2024, up from 1,932,094 in 2023, according to UCAA report.
In the same way, freight volumes increased from 59,073 metric tonnes in 2023 to 67,731 metric tonnes in 2024.
Comparing the growth to pre-COVID levels in 2019, when there were 64,731 metric tonnes of goods and 1,802,107 foreign passengers, makes it even more noteworthy.
Nonetheless, the trade balance still favors exports. From 18,161 metric tonnes in 2023 to 22,233 metric tonnes in 2024, import volumes increased by 22.42%.
Exports rose 9.66% from 40,911 metric tonnes in 2023 to 44,865 metric tonnes in 2024, while they were still increasing.
Uganda’s aviation capabilities have been substantially strengthened by major improvements at Entebbe International Airport.
Since its opening on January 10, 2024, the renovated terminal building has given passengers a more roomy and cozy space.
There are also ongoing infrastructural projects, such as the construction of a 20,000-square-meter passenger terminal building with three new aerobridges.
The airport’s capacity will rise from 2 million passengers per year to at least 3.5 million after these improvements are finished.
International activities are also greatly aided by Entebbe International Airport. The airport served 1,935 delegates from 123 nations that attended the G77+ China Summit and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 2024.
In January 2025, 977 delegates attended the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Summit of the African Union in Kampala, which was facilitated with ease.
Rising air traffic, continuing infrastructure improvements, and new market entrants all contribute to Uganda’s aviation sector’s growth and underscore the nation’s aspirations to become a regional aviation hub.
