Western Uganda Guide




Entebbe Airport

Entebbe International Airport, situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, is the only international airport in Uganda and so, unless travelling in by road, will probably be your access point to the country. For decades, the airport has played a pivotal role in connecting East Africa to international destinations, shaping regional travel, trade, and tourism. Its strategic location, just 35 kilometres south of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, makes it easily accessible and a convenient hub for both business and leisure travellers. While modest in size compared to major global airports, Entebbe has steadily evolved into a modern and efficient transportation node, from its early days back in the early colonial period when it was constructed during British rule in the 1920s, serving primarily as a stopover for flights operating between Europe and South Africa.

Over the years, Entebbe Airport expanded its operations and infrastructure, particularly during the mid-20th century, as air travel became more widespread. One of the most notable events associated with Entebbe occurred in 1976, during the infamous Entebbe hostage crisis, when passengers of an Air France flight were hijacked and flown to the airport. The dramatic rescue mission conducted by Israeli forces brought the airport into the global spotlight, etching its name into modern history, including movie history!

Today, Entebbe International Airport operates as the main hub for Uganda Airlines, the country's flag carrier that was re-launched in 2019 after a 16-year hiatus. The revival of the national airline has significantly boosted the airport’s international profile and service offerings. In addition to Uganda Airlines, several other carriers operate regular scheduled flights from Entebbe, including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, and KLM. These airlines connect Uganda to key regional and intercontinental destinations, facilitating both tourism and business exchanges. The airport serves a range of African cities such as Nairobi, Kigali, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and Lagos, as well as long-haul routes to Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and London. This growing network reflects Uganda’s increasing integration into the global economy and tourism sector.

In recent years, passenger traffic at Entebbe has shown consistent growth. Pre-pandemic figures indicated that the airport handled approximately 1.5 million passengers annually, with international travellers making up a large portion of that number. While the global health crisis temporarily reduced travel volumes, recovery has been strong, and traffic is steadily rebounding. This rise is driven by several factors, including expanding airline partnerships, improved infrastructure, government initiatives to promote tourism, and Uganda’s emergence as a key player in East African commerce. As a result, the airport’s current passenger handling capabilities are being closely monitored and expanded to meet future demand. To accommodate the increasing air traffic and enhanced passenger expectations, significant upgrades have been made to the airport’s facilities. The terminal building has undergone renovations that include expanded check-in areas, modernised security checkpoints, improved baggage handling systems, and upgraded boarding gates.

 
 
 
 

Entebbe Airport

Entebbe Airport

Entebbe Airport

Entebbe Airport

 


Tourist Attractions

Entebbe Tourist Attractions

A guide to the main tourist attractions in and around Entebbe for when you first arrive in Uganda.
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Entebbe Airport Runway

Entebbe International Airport

The airport features a single passenger terminal split into domestic and international sections, both offering essential services such as duty-free shopping, currency exchange, car rental counters, and dining options. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and efforts have been made to ensure that the environment remains clean and navigable. Additionally, a new cargo terminal has been constructed to improve freight handling efficiency, supporting Uganda's growing export economy, particularly in agricultural goods like coffee and cut flowers.

The passenger experience at Entebbe is generally regarded as welcoming and straightforward, especially when compared to larger, more congested international hubs. Travellers passing through often note the courteous behaviour of airport staff, timely processing procedures, and the calm, quiet atmosphere that contrasts with the hustle of major transfer points. For international arrivals, immigration and customs processes are typically efficient, particularly with the availability of e-visa services that streamline entry for many nationalities. However, some travellers have pointed out limitations during peak hours, when flight overlaps can cause temporary congestion. Language is rarely a barrier, as English, Uganda’s official language, is widely spoken by airport personnel.

Looking ahead, Entebbe International Airport is poised for further development as Uganda continues to invest in its aviation infrastructure. Plans are underway to expand the runway, upgrade air traffic control systems, and construct a second terminal to handle rising passenger numbers and potential low-cost carrier growth. These future improvements aim not only to increase capacity but also to elevate the airport’s standards to match those of leading regional hubs like Addis Ababa and Nairobi. With regional integration through the East African Community and growing interest in African travel, Entebbe is strategically positioned to become an even more critical connector between continents.

Sustainability and environmental considerations are also beginning to take a more central role in the airport’s planning. With its location near a sensitive lakeside ecosystem, there is a strong emphasis on minimising the ecological footprint of airport operations. Initiatives such as improved waste management, energy efficiency measures, and landscaping that supports local biodiversity are being integrated into the airport’s development plans. While challenges remain, particularly in funding and implementation timelines, the commitment to sustainable aviation practices is evident. Now make a virtual landing at Entebbe International Airport in the video, above left.

 
 


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