Entebbe New Passenger Terminal to Open in January 2026 as International traffic surpasses pre-existing records

Uganda’s aviation sector is closing 2025 on a high note, with the newly completed passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport set to open to the public in January 2026 amid record-breaking passenger traffic, expanded routes, and ambitious airport development plans across the country.

The 20,000-square-metre terminal, which will be commissioned in phases starting January, is expected to boost Entebbe’s passenger handling capacity from the current two million passengers annually to at least 3.5 million.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement breakfast meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye said the new terminal comes at a critical time when international traffic has already surpassed pre-existing records.

“The January to November 2025 international passenger traffic of 2,247,145 has already exceeded the entire 2024 figure of 2,243,104—even before accounting for the busy December period,” Bamwesigye said.

The new terminal features three additional aerobridges—bringing the total to five—24 new check-in counters in addition to the existing 22, and 14 self-check-in counters, significantly improving passenger flow and service efficiency.

Bamwesigye attributed the surge in air traffic to the expansion of Uganda Airlines, increased tourism promotion, and the return of international conferences and sporting events.

“Overall air traffic has grown due to the commencement of Uganda Airlines flights to London Gatwick, Harare and Kinshasa, the entry of new operators into Ugandan airspace, sustained tourism promotion, and the resumption of major international events,” he noted.

Cargo traffic has also remained strong, supported by a stable economic environment and increased international trade.

Uganda is currently served by 19 international scheduled airlines, with 27 licensed air operators. In 2025, new routes were launched by Flynas on the Riyadh–Entebbe route, Fanjet Express between Nairobi and Entebbe, Malawi Airlines from Lilongwe, and Safarilink from Nairobi.

Uganda has continued to strengthen its international aviation ties through Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs). In 2025 alone, the country negotiated or signed BASAs with Argentina, Denmark, Guyana, Norway, Sweden, Eswatini, Qatar, Ethiopia, Latvia, and the Central African Republic.

“To date, Uganda has concluded BASAs with 64 countries, which is critical for building a robust air transport network that connects us to major cities worldwide,” Bamwesigye said.

UCAA has also invested heavily in air navigation and safety systems, upgrading navigation aids at Entebbe, Soroti, Kasese, Hoima and Gulu, while rolling out extended-range VHF radio communication to improve pilot–air traffic control communication.

Plans are underway to upgrade the Entebbe radar system in the 2025/26 financial year, followed by the phased acquisition of a state-of-the-art surveillance system—including ADS-B backup—between 2026 and 2030.

With Uganda scheduled to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, UCAA is accelerating upgrades at key upcountry airports.

Projects include the fast-tracked upgrade of Gulu Airport to international status, completion and operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, and plans to develop Arua and Kasese airports into code 4E international facilities.

“Aviation infrastructure will be key in facilitating AFCON 2027 and other major international events Uganda will host,” Bamwesigye said.

In a message delivered by UCAA Board Chairperson Justice Steven Kavuma, the State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, commended UCAA for its 2025 performance.

“I commend the UCAA team for the outstanding accomplishments achieved in 2025. Your dedication will be crucial in sustaining and advancing these achievements,” Byamukama said.

He also highlighted Uganda’s election to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2025–2028 term as a vote of confidence by the global aviation community.

“This reflects the trust and high expectations placed in Uganda at a transformative time for global air transport,” he said.

Despite the progress, UCAA faces several challenges, including inadequate funding for upcountry aerodrome improvements, land constraints at Entebbe and other airports, and mounting government debt—standing at Shs166.6 billion by June 2025.

“Aviation must be mainstreamed at a strategic national level because of its clear linkages to tourism, trade and other sectors of the economy,” Bamwesigye cautioned.

As Entebbe International Airport prepares to welcome passengers into its modern new terminal in January, UCAA says the focus will be on matching infrastructure upgrades with improved service delivery.

“I urge all service providers at Entebbe to ensure that the services they render to passengers match the revamped infrastructure,” Minister Byamukama said.

With rising passenger numbers, expanding routes and major infrastructure projects underway, Uganda’s aviation sector appears poised for sustained growth—if funding, land, and service challenges can be effectively managed.