list of airports in Uganda
Uganda’s Airports: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” boasts a diverse landscape attracting tourists, business travelers, and those visiting friends and family. Efficient air travel is crucial for exploring this beautiful country, and understanding Uganda’s airport network is the first step to a smooth journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all airports in Uganda, detailing their locations, services, and what you can expect when flying in or out.
#ff6900 Uganda’s Airport Landscape: An Overview
Uganda’s airport system caters to a range of needs, from international flights connecting the country to the rest of the world, to domestic routes facilitating travel within its borders. While Entebbe International Airport handles the vast majority of international traffic, several other airports play a vital role in regional connectivity and supporting tourism to specific areas. The Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda (CAA) oversees the operation and maintenance of these facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency. The country is actively working on upgrading several airports to accommodate increased traffic and improve passenger experience.
#ff6900 List of Airports in Uganda
Here’s a detailed list of all currently operational and known airports in Uganda, categorized by their primary function. Please note that some airstrips are primarily used for chartered flights and may not have regularly scheduled services.
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Location | Type | Runway Length (approx.) | Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entebbe International Airport | EBB | HUEN | Entebbe | International | 3,200m (10,500 ft) | Full service, Duty-free, Restaurants, Hotels |
| Kasese Airport | KSE | HUKS | Kasese | Domestic | 1,700m (5,577 ft) | Limited services, primarily serves tourism to Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Soroti Airport | SRV | HUSO | Soroti | Domestic | 1,800m (5,906 ft) | Limited services, serves the Teso sub-region |
| Arua Airport | ARU | HUAR | Arua | Domestic | 1,600m (5,249 ft) | Limited services, serves the West Nile region |
| Masindi Airport | MUI | HUMI | Masindi | Domestic | 1,200m (3,937 ft) | Limited services, serves Murchison Falls National Park area |
| Mbarara Airport | MBQ | HUMB | Mbarara | Domestic | 1,300m (4,265 ft) | Limited services, serves southwestern Uganda |
| Jinja Airport | JNJ | HUJN | Jinja | Domestic | 1,100m (3,609 ft) | Limited services, primarily for tourism and chartered flights |
| Gulu Airport | ULU | HUGL | Gulu | Domestic | 1,500m (4,921 ft) | Limited services, serves northern Uganda |
| Kisoro Airport | SZR | HUKS | Kisoro | Domestic | 1,350m (4,429 ft) | Limited services, serves Bwindi Impenetrable National Park area |
| Lyantonde Airport | LTO | HUYN | Lyantonde | Domestic | 1,000m (3,281 ft) | Limited services, primarily for chartered flights |
| Moroto Airport | MTJ | HUMT | Moroto | Domestic | 1,600m (5,249 ft) | Limited services, serves the Karamoja region |
| Nebbi Airport | EBV | HUBN | Nebbi | Domestic | 1,200m (3,937 ft) | Limited services, serves the West Nile region |
| Pakuba Airport | PBQ | HUPI | Pakuba | Domestic | 1,300m (4,265 ft) | Limited services, serves Murchison Falls National Park area |
| Rukungiri Airport | RKJ | HURK | Rukungiri | Domestic | 1,000m (3,281 ft) | Limited services, primarily for chartered flights |
| Tororo Airport | TOR | HUTO | Tororo | Domestic | 1,400m (4,593 ft) | Limited services, serves eastern Uganda |
| Bugungu Airport | BGU | HUBU | Bulisa | Domestic | 1,200m (3,937 ft) | Limited services, serves the Lake Albert region |
| Kabale Airport | KBA | HUKB | Kabale | Domestic | 1,300m (4,265 ft) | Limited services, serves southwestern Uganda |
Note: Runway lengths are approximate and subject to change. Services offered can vary.
#ff6900 Entebbe International Airport: The Main Gateway
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the primary international airport serving Uganda. Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Kampala, it’s the hub for Uganda Airlines and serves numerous international airlines connecting Uganda to destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Recent renovations have significantly improved the airport’s capacity and passenger experience, including expanded terminal facilities, improved security, and enhanced baggage handling systems. Expect standard international airport amenities like duty-free shopping, restaurants, currency exchange, and hotel booking services.
#ff6900 Domestic Airports: Connecting Uganda’s Regions
The domestic airports listed above are crucial for facilitating travel within Uganda, particularly to tourist destinations and remote regions. These airports generally offer limited services, and flights are often operated by smaller airlines using turboprop aircraft. It’s advisable to check with your airline regarding baggage allowances and specific services available at your destination airport. Many of these airports serve as vital links for safari tours, allowing visitors to easily access national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
#ff6900 Future Developments & Airport Upgrades
Uganda is committed to improving its aviation infrastructure. Ongoing and planned upgrades include runway expansions, terminal renovations, and the introduction of modern air traffic control systems. The goal is to increase airport capacity, enhance safety, and attract more international airlines, ultimately boosting tourism and economic growth. Specifically, significant investment is planned for upgrades at Gulu and Soroti Airports.
#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is the main international airport in Uganda?
A1: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main international airport.
Q2: Can I get a visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport?
A2: Yes, visa on arrival is available for many nationalities, but it’s always best to check the latest requirements with the Ugandan Immigration Department.
Q3: Are there direct flights from the US/Europe to Uganda?
A3: Currently, there are no direct flights. Flights typically involve connections through hubs in Europe (Amsterdam, Brussels, Istanbul) or the Middle East (Dubai, Doha).
Q4: What is the best way to get from Entebbe Airport to Kampala?
A4: Taxis and airport shuttles are readily available. Pre-booked transfers are also a convenient option.
Q5: Are domestic flights reliable in Uganda?
A5: Domestic flights can sometimes be subject to delays due to weather or operational factors. It’s advisable to allow for flexibility in your travel plans.
Resources:
- Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda (CAA): https://www.caa.go.ug/
- Uganda Tourism Board: https://www.ugandatourismboard.ug/
- Entebbe International Airport: https://www.untebbeairport.go.ug/
- IATA Airport Information: https://www.iata.org/en/airports/
- Timatic: https://www.timatic.com/ (for visa and travel document requirements)
