Entebbe Airport Ranked 7th in Africa: Updates on Ongoing Expansion and Upgrade Projects
By John Kusolo
In the latest global airport rankings released by Skytrax, a leading air transport research company, Entebbe International Airport has achieved a notable position among the top ten airports on the African continent. Ranked seventh, Entebbe International Airport stands out as a significant hub in East Africa, recognized for its customer satisfaction and service standards.
Managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) under the leadership of Director General Fred Bamwesigye, Entebbe Airport has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure and services. The Skytrax rankings place it just behind a trio of South African airports—Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and East London—and ahead of Madagascar’s Antananarivo International Airport.
The rankings highlight the exceptional performance of Durban King Shaka Airport in South Africa, which leads the African rankings, followed by Marrakesh and Kigali in second and third positions, respectively. Morocco’s Rabat and Angola’s Luanda International Airports complete the top ten list.
Fred Bamwesigye, DG of UCAA, provided an update on the ongoing projects aimed at upgrading and expanding Entebbe International Airport. He expressed optimism about the progress, noting that the major projects are nearing completion.
One of the significant milestones is the opening of the newly constructed terminal building to the public, alongside the resurfaced car parking area, which was completed in 2023. The key remaining project involves the completion of a new 20,000 square meters terminal building, which will connect to the existing terminal. This project is currently at 90% completion and is expected to be finished in 2024.
Earlier phases of the upgrade included the resurfacing of runways 17/35 and 12/30 and their associated taxiways, the construction of a new terminal building with a 100,000-ton capacity, the erection of a Cargo Apron, and the resurfacing of Aprons 2 and 4. These improvements are part of a broader initiative to enhance the airport’s capacity and efficiency.
Upon completion of the new terminal building, Entebbe International Airport’s capacity will increase from its previous maximum of 2 million passengers per year to at least 3.5 million passengers. This expansion is crucial in addressing the growing traffic and improving the overall passenger experience.
DG Bamwesigye urged all Ugandans to remain patient as the UCAA diligently works to complete these projects. He emphasized that the authority is committed to providing a seamless experience for all travelers entering and leaving the country. The ongoing enhancements are designed to ensure that Entebbe International Airport continues to meet high standards of service and efficiency, aligning with its prestigious ranking among Africa’s top airports.
The recognition of Entebbe International Airport in the Skytrax rankings underscores the success of the ongoing efforts to elevate the airport’s infrastructure and services. The upcoming completion of the new terminal building and other enhancements will further solidify its position as a leading airport in the region, offering improved facilities and a better travel experience for passengers.
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