Air transport in Uganda is operating on a global scale; this means of transport started way back in the 1950s, before the establishment of Entebbe International Airport by the British Colonialists. Entebbe airport was established as a regional air center in Africa, considering the strategic location of Uganda.
The history of air transport in Uganda started with flying boats that could land at Port Bell and Luzira on the shores of Lake Victoria to deliver mail. The flying at Luzira was an extension of Wilson Airways in Kenya. In 1946, the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) was formed, followed by the construction of the country’s airport at Entebbe in 1947. Entebbe International Airport was commissioned by Princess Elizabeth of England in 1952.
Uganda being a landlocked country, its borders are easily unlocked by flying. Air transportation has been so significant as a quickest courtesy for outbound and inbound travelers, the transport of goods, and most importantly, the perishables like fish, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The civil aviation services in the country have improved over the years, and now Uganda has two international airports: Entebbe International Airport and Kabalega International Airport in Hoima.
Air transport in Uganda operates across the country with various airstrips and airfields that are spread across the country. The country is renowned for hosting two (2) international airports, Entebbe and Hoima, and about 13 airstrips that enable you to fly to all regions of the country.
Uganda Airlines
Uganda Airline is a national flag carrier; it was started in 1976, and its operations were dissolved due to various reasons, including bankruptcy. However, after decades without a national carrier, the need for one has surfaced. The Ugandan government has revived the national aircraft carrier to ease flying in the country, along with the idea of boosting tourism.
The government, through Uganda Airlines, bought four Bombardier CRJ900ER jets, which were delivered in 2020, and two Airbus A330-800 aircraft, which were received in 2021.
International Airport where Uganda Airlines
The intercontinental destinations under which Uganda Airline operates include Heathrow Airport, Dubai International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Mumbai International Airport, airports in West Africa and airports in Southern Africa, Zanzibar, Kinshasa, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Mogadishu, Bujumbura, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, and Juba.
International Air Operators at Entebbe Airport (Airline at Entebbe)
- African Express Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- East African Safari Air Express Limited
- Egypt Air
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Flydubai
- Jambojet Limited
- Kenya Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Precision Air Services Plc
- Qatar Airways
- RwandAir
- South African Airways
- Tarco Air
- Turkish Airlines
Domestic Air Operators at Entebbe International Airport
- Aerolink
- Eagle Air
- Kampala Aero Club and Flight Training Center
- Bar Aviation
On-Scheduled Operators
- Aim Air
- Air Serv
- Asante Aviation
- Aerolink
- Balloon Tour
- DHL Aviation (K) Ltd.
- Eagle Air
- Grand Air Services Ltd.
- Jobihani Investments Ltd.
- Kampala Aero Club and Flight Training Center
- Kampala Executive Aviation
- Mission Aviation Fellowship
- Premier Safaris
- Samaritan’s Purse
- SKA Air and Logistics (U) Ltd.
- Transafrik
- Uganda Air Cargo
- Vine Air Ltd.
Domestic Airstrips
The country has the following domestic airstrips:
- Arua
- Gulu
- Pakuba
- Kidepo
- Kasese
- Soroti
- Mbarara
- Lira
- Masindi
- Jinja
- Moroto
- Tororo
- Kisoro
