KAMPALA, August 21, 2024 – Passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport drastically increased by 27 percent in the six months of 2024, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority [UCAA], the handlers of the facility.
UCCA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye told a press conference Tuesday that the airport received 1,069,224 passengers [527,692 arriving and 541,532 departing] between January and June 2024 compared to 842,429 received in January to June 2023.
Bamwesigye attributed the increase in passenger traffic to increased business opportunities in Uganda and the rest of the East African region.
“The numbers demonstrate the airport’s importance in fostering international travel, tourism and trade. We look forward to continuing to serve our passengers and customers with provision of world-class facilities and services,” he said.
UCCA records also indicate that in July 2024, Entebbe airport recorded a total of 182,494 international passengers, 92,379 arriving and 90,115 departing, an average of 5,886 passengers per day.
The airport also realised increased cargo traffic during the same quarter realising at least 32,794 metric tonnes recorded in January to June 2024, of which exports were 22,380 metric tonnes and 10,414 metric tons of imports compared to a total of 25,951 metric tonnes in January to June 2023.
“Export cargo grew by 18.9 percent, while import cargo saw a remarkable 46.2 percent increase. Despite the growth trends, exports have generally remained higher than imports in the last four years.”
In July, Entebbe airport recorded cargo traffic of 4,123 metric tons of exports and 1,618 metric tons of imports, a total of 5,741 metric tonnes compared to 5,745 metric tonnes in the previous year.
Meanwhile, UCAA reports that aircraft movements were 15,223 in January to June 2024 compared to 14,575 in January to June 2023, reflecting a 4.4 percent growth, while overflights were 12,359 in January to June 2024 compared to 11,203 in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 10.3 percent growth.
On the other hand, transit passengers were 53,559 in January to June 2024 compared to 57,469 in January to June 2023, reflecting a decline of -6.8 percent.
In terms of infrastructure, the project for upgrade and expansion of the airport is progressing well, currently stands at 92 percent level of completion.
“Pending works are on the main Apron 1, which has been expanded, and currently at 96 percent, and the works at the new terminal building connecting to the current terminal are on-going and at 65 percent level of completion,” said Bamwesigye.
https://thecooperator.news/enhas-and-das-operating-at-entebbe-airport-without-tenancy-agreements/
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