Entebbe International Airport Sets Record with High Passenger Traffic in January 2024

Entebbe International Airport has experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic during the month of January 2024. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA), a total of 196,211 international passengers passed through the airport, with 99,216 arrivals and 96,995 departures.

ALSO READ: Bebe Cool Threatens to Sue Airtel Uganda Over Alleged Mobile Data Theft

This figure translates to an average of 6,329 passengers per day, making it the second-highest recorded in a single month at Entebbe International Airport. The previous month of December 2023 saw an even higher average of 6,418 passengers per day. The rise in January’s passenger traffic can partly be attributed to Uganda’s hosting of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77 China summits.

- Advertisement -

These important events, held at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel in Kampala from January 15 to 22, attracted a total of 1,918 delegates. The presence of these delegates undoubtedly contributed to the increase in passenger numbers. The NAM is the second-largest grouping of states in the world after the United Nations (UN), while the G77 China is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries within the UN.

In addition to passenger traffic, Entebbe International Airport also handled a significant amount of cargo in January 2024. The airport recorded 1,579 metric tonnes of imports and 3,604 metric tonnes of exports, totaling 5,183 metric tonnes. This highlights the airport’s importance as a hub for both passenger and cargo transportation.

Vianney Luggya, the communication manager of the UCCA, explained that the Entebbe International Airport’s capacity to handle large numbers of passengers and cargo has been demonstrated in previous months. In December 2023, the airport handled a total of 198,000 passengers, averaging around 6,400 per day.

To ensure the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the general public, President Yoweri Museveni signed the Civil Aviation Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024 into law. This new legislation aligns Uganda’s aviation authority with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, which was established in 1947 to coordinate international air travel.

The new law grants inspectors unrestricted access to aircraft, aerodromes, aviation facilities, cargo, and records of aviation organizations under the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). It also enables the UCAA to recognize agreements of third-party states related to the transfer of functions and duties, as well as prescribing additional offenses.

Furthermore, the law regulates the conduct of individuals at airports and onboard aircraft for aviation security. It protects airports, individuals, and property, both on and off airports. Additionally, Uganda will establish an administrative framework for collecting, using, processing, and protecting Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for flights to and from the country. The National Information and Technology Authority (NITA) will oversee the protection of PNR data.

The UCAA will have enforcement powers to ensure compliance with national aviation security policies and requirements. This includes unrestricted access to airports, aircraft operating within Uganda or registered in Uganda but operating in other states, and the premises of operators or service providers. These powers allow for inspections, vulnerability assessments, security audits, testing functions, and investigations of incidents and non-conformances.

Entebbe International Airport’s record-breaking passenger traffic in January 2024 showcases its importance as a key transportation hub in Uganda. With the implementation of the new Civil Aviation Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024, the airport is well-equipped to ensure the safety and security of all those who pass through its facilities.