Uganda - 2.2 Aviation
Aviation
Due to the landlocked nature of the country, air transport is of strategic importance to the Ugandan nation. It is an alternative gateway to the rest of the world and provides the most efficient and quickest transport means to and from Uganda.
- The last three years, the Uganda Aviation have showed growth on international traffic by in average 8% per year (if seen over the latest ten year the growth per annum is 5% in average).
- Cargo has an increase of 5% per year in average (when seen over the latest ten years the average growth rate is 0.7% per year).
- Domestic air travel has the latest three years increased by 22% per year in average (seen on the latest ten years an average increase is 1.5% per year).[1]
[1] Ibid.
Uganda - 2.2.1 Entebbe International Airport
Airport Overview:
Entebbe International Airport is the principal international airport of Uganda.
- Located near Entebbe town, on the shores of Lake Victoria, and about 41 km (25 mi) southwest of Kampala.
- The airport is open 24 hrs with direct flights to 20 domestic and international destinations.
- In terms of passengers’ international air transport is increasing, whereas domestic air traffic has been decreasing since 2015.
- Air cargo is as well an important element for the international air traffic in Entebbe airport.
- Export cargo is mainly fresh products, fish on crushed ice, fruits, and fresh flowers. These products accounts for around 95% of the export cargo.
- The main part, around 80%, of the import cargo is general cargo, where pharmaceuticals are one of the main product categories: Entebbe International Airport – Civil Aviation Authority (caa.go.ug)
Table 2.2.1 Uganda: Airport location and contact Entebbe International Airport
Airport Location and Contact
|
|
---|---|
Country
|
Uganda |
Province or District
|
Entebbe |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport
|
Kampala, 45 km away from Entebbe Airport |
Airport Complete Name
|
Entebbe International Airport |
Latitude
|
0.044722 |
Longitude
|
32.44303 |
Elevation (ft and m)
|
3,782 ft and 1.153 m |
IATA Code
|
EBB |
ICAO Code
|
HUEN |
Managing Company
|
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority |
Management Contact
|
Mr. Mr. Barungi – Manager airports |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport
|
MUNUSCO Base |
Airport Picture:
Description and Contacts of Key Companies:
There are three cargo handling companies in EBB
- DAS Handling Limited.
- National Aviation Services (MANZIES AVIATION) formerly Entebbe Handling Services (ENHAS)
- Fresh Handling Limited (this one specialises in handling exports of cut flowers, horticultural and agricultural products).
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator:
Performance for 2023
|
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day |
Total aircraft movements
|
|
|
|
Total passengers
|
1,,993,320 |
166,410 |
5,547 |
Total capacity of the airport (MT)
|
|
|
|
Current use by Humanitarian flights (UNHAS)
|
NA |
NA |
NA |
Runway(s):
Runway – 1. (12/30) |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions
|
2,408m X 46m |
Runway Orientation
|
0° 02.45’ N / 32° 26.51’ E |
Runway Surface
|
Asphalt |
Runway Condition
|
Good |
Runway – 2. (17/35) |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions
|
3,658m X 46 m |
Runway Orientation
|
0° 02.25’ N / 32° 26.17’ E |
Runway Surface
|
Asphalt |
Runway Condition
|
Good |
Helicopter Pad(s):
Helipad – 1. |
|
---|---|
Present (Yes / No)
|
Yes |
Largest helicopter that can land
|
Mi-26 (no limit) |
Width and Length (meters)
|
|
Surface
|
Asphalt
|
Airport Infrastructure Details:
Infrastructure
|
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security
|
Yes |
Runway Lighting |
Yes |
Refueling Capacity
|
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Air Traffic Control
|
Yes |
Firefighting Equipment |
Yes |
Weather Information
|
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids
|
Yes |
Perimeter Fencing |
Yes |
Windsock
|
Yes |
Airport Radar |
Yes |
Customs
|
Yes |
Jet – A1 Fuel |
Yes |
Immigration
|
Yes |
AVGAs 100 |
Yes |
Terminal Building
|
Yes |
Single Point Refueling |
Yes |
Passenger Terminal
|
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
Cargo Terminal
|
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile units) |
Yes |
Pax Transport to airfield
|
Yes |
Latrine services |
Yes |
Control Tower
|
Yes |
Firefighting Category (ICAO) |
Yes |
Weather Facilities
|
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
n/a |
Catering Services
|
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
Base Operating room
|
Yes |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes |
NDB
|
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
ILS
|
Yes |
|
|
Airport Operating Details:
According to the Airport Expansion Masterplan (2014), cargo traffic was expected to be 77,100 tons in 2018, 100,700 in 2023 and 172,100 in 2033.
- Main exports by air are fish (about 45% of total), fresh flowers (about 20%) and other fresh products (about 20%); many exports depend on the availability of cold storage facilities.
- The airport began a USD200 million expansion project in 2016, which includes the construction of a new cargo centre with total storage capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes.
Operating Details
|
|
---|---|
Maximum sized aircraft which can be offloaded on bulk cargo
|
Antonov 124/225- B-747 |
Maximum sized aircraft that can be offloaded on pallet
|
All categories |
Total aircraft parking area (m2)
|
17,327m2 |
Storage Area (MT) and (CM3)
|
20,000m2 |
Cargo handling Equipment Available (Yes / No)
|
Various |
Elevators / Hi Loaders (Yes / No)
|
Yes |
Can elevators /Hi Loaders that reach upper level of B747 (Yes/ No)
|
Yes |
Loading Ramps (Yes / No)
|
Yes |
Storage Facilities:
ENHAS/MANZIES AVIATION offers cold storage facilities at its offices located within Entebbe International Airport.
ENHAS is located within the Cargo Terminal and within its perimeters are government departments like Customs, Police, Veterinary Inspectors and Fish Inspectors and the Plant Inspectors which ensure seamless operations: IATA - Entebbe Handling Services Ltd.
Airfield Costs:
Navigation Charges
|
Aircraft Weight – MTOW (kg) |
||
---|---|---|---|
|
0 – 7,000 |
7,001 – 136,000 |
136,001 and over |
Navigation (per journey) USD - $
|
US$25 |
US$200 |
US$273 |
Landing USD - $
|
US$5 1000KGS |
US$5 Per 1000KGS
|
US$6 Per 1000kgs |
Night Landing USD - $
|
It varies on the type of aircraft |
It varies on the type of aircraft |
It varies on the type of aircraft |
Night Take-Off USD - $
|
|
|
|
Parking
|
US$5 Per day |
US$30 Per day |
US$40 per day |
Handling Charges
|
As per standard CAA tariffs |
|
|
Fuel Services Charges:
|
Price per Liter USD - $
|
---|---|
Jet A-1
|
US$0.53 |
Avgas
|
US$2.22 |
Cargo Terminal Charges:
Cargo handling is done by ENHAS at Entebbe airport and charges are only provided at ENHAS on request. Charges can only be provided
Import Charges
|
||
---|---|---|
Type of Charge |
Rate USD - $ / kg |
Comments |
Handling Charge per kg
|
US$0.15 per kg |
|
Break Bulk Fee
|
na |
|
Diplomatic mail
|
US$20 |
|
Strong Room – per consignment
|
US$0.10 |
|
Cold Storage Fee
|
US$0.02 |
|
Delivery Outside Normal Work Hours
|
na |
|
Preparation of substitute AOA - invoice- receipt
|
na |
|
Storage per day
|
US$0.05 per kg |
|
Delivery beyond warehouse using forklift
|
US$100 (Minimum) |
|
Export Charges
|
||
---|---|---|
Type of Charge |
Rate USD - $ / kg |
Comments |
Handling Charge – Unpalletized cargo
|
US0.02 per kg |
|
International airway bill
|
$50.00 |
|
Local Airway Bill
|
$50.00 |
|
Airway Bill Amendment - Cancellation
|
$50.00 |
|
Airway Bill Documentation
|
$50.00 |
|
Diplomatic mail
|
$50.00 |
|
General Cargo
|
US$0.02 per kg |
|
Security:
UCAA process of getting Entebbe International Airport ICAO certified was completed in Nov 2023.
The security system at Entebbe airport has been improved by the implementation of new security equipment, which has been installed in the airport at the entrance to the Passenger Terminal Building.
Uganda - 2.2.2 Gulu National Airport
Gulu Airport is a civilian and military airport in Northern Uganda, located some 3 kilometers (1.9 mi), by road, northwest of the central business district of the city of Gulu, the largest metropolitan area in Northern Uganda. This location is approximately 303 kilometers (188 mi), by air, north of Entebbe International Airport.
Gulu Airport serves the city of Gulu, and it is one of the 13 upcountry airports under the administration of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It is also one of the five upcountry airports which are authorized to handle cross-border air traffic from or destined for neighboring countries, in an effort to promote tourism within Eastern Africa.
The airport grounds are fenced off completely to minimize animal movements onto the runway. The airport is situated 3,510 feet (1,070 m) above sea level and has a single paved runway which 3,139 meters (10,299 ft.) in length.
The airport lacks airplane refueling facilities and no customs service is available. However, crash-assistance and fire service (fire truck with 2,000 liters (530 US gal) of water, foam capability and DCP) is at hand between 08:00am – 5:00pm (local time). A small terminal is located next to the airport and taxis service the trip to town. A newly installed mobile Air Traffic Control Center is available from 08:00am until 5:00pm (local time). ATC may be contacted on 123.7 MHz using HF communications. No navigation aids, runway lights or VHF exists. The weather office in Gulu town is not in use.
Airfield Details |
|||
Country |
Uganda |
Latitude |
2.81 |
---|---|---|---|
Province / District |
Gulu |
Longitude |
32.27 |
Airfield Name |
Gulu Airport |
Elevation (ft) |
3,510 feet |
IATA & ICAO codes |
ULU, ICAO: HUGU |
Surface |
1,070 m |
Town or City (closest) |
Lamwo |
Runway Condition |
Fair |
NGO / UN (on ground) |
Yes |
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Runway Dimension |
3,139 meters |
Ground Handling (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Refuelling Capacity |
Nil |
Runway Lighting (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Runway Heading |
Nil |
Fire Fighting Equipment (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Air Traffic Control (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Windsock (Yes / No) |
No |
Weather Information (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking space (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Navigation Aids (Yes / No) |
No |
Perimeter fencing (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Fuel Services Charges
The airport lacks airplane refueling facilities.
Price per Unit |
|
---|---|
Jet A-1 |
$1.06 |
Avgas |
$1.06 |
Royalties / Non Objection Fees (NOFs)
Information relating to fees payable at the airport can be obtained from CAA offices
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
Uganda - 2.2.3 Domestic Airports
Domestic Airports
The domestic air travel is limited (today in total 32,000 passengers in and out of the 11 airports managed by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA): Civil Aviation Authority – Uganda (caa.go.ug)
At present no substantial air cargo facilities other than Entebbe International Airport are expected to be operational in the short and medium term.
Table 2.2.1 Uganda: Functional airports in country:
Airports in Uganda
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nr. |
ICAO |
IATA |
NAME |
LOCATION |
COUNTRY |
1. |
HUAR |
RUA |
Arua Airport |
Arua |
Uganda |
2. |
HUEN |
EBB |
Entebbe International Airport |
Entebbe |
Uganda |
3. |
HUGU |
ULU |
Gulu Airport |
Gulu |
Uganda |
4. |
HUJI |
JIN |
Jinja Airport |
Jinja |
Uganda |
5. |
HUKF |
KBG |
Kabalega Falls Airport |
Kabalega Falls |
Uganda |
6. |
HUKC |
KLA |
Kampala Airport |
Kampala |
Uganda |
7. |
HUKS |
KSE |
Kasese Airport |
Kasese |
Uganda |
8. |
HUMI |
KCU |
Masindi Airport |
Masindi |
Uganda |
9. |
HUMA |
MBQ |
Mbarara Airport |
Mbarara |
Uganda |
10. |
HUSO |
SRT |
Soroti Airport |
Soroti |
Uganda |
11. |
HUTO |
TRY |
Tororo Airport |
Tororo |
Uganda |
- Arua Airport is one of the domestic airports and is located in the city of Arua, in the Northern region of Uganda.
- The airport has an unpaved runway with length of 1,800m and width of 30m, serving single and twin prop-engine aircraft.
- Presently, Eagle Air operates with 17 scheduled flights weekly. There are also flights performed by Mission Aviation Fellowship, United Nations, AIM Air, Samaritan Purse, Kampala Aero Club and Flight Training Centre.
- Uganda Government is set to commence expansion works on Arua airport to international standards; the Masterplan and detailed design are prepared by the UCAA for the upgrading works of the Arua Airfield into a regional and international airport.
- Gulu Airport is a civilian and military airport located in the Northern Region of Uganda. It has a single paved runway with length of 3,100m and width of 45m.
- The development project includes construction of a new runway, taxiways and apron, new cargo centre, new terminal complex, air traffic control tower, airport rescue and firefighting station, and an admin block.
- Kasese Airport is located in Kasese District in the Western region of Uganda. Airport has an unpaved runway with length of 1,600m and width of 30m.
- The development project includes construction of a new runway, taxiways and apron, new cargo centre, new terminal complex, air traffic control tower, airport rescue and firefighting station, and an admin block.
- Kidepo Airport is located in Kidepo Valley National Park, in Northern region of Uganda. Airport has an unpaved runway with length of 1,280m and width of 30m.
- Kisoro Airport is located in the Western Uganda district of Kisoro serving Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
- Moroto Airport is located in the Northern Uganda district of Moroto. Airport has an unpaved runway with length of 1,600m and width of 30m.
- Pakuba Airport is an airfield located in Murchison falls national park in North-western Uganda. Airport has unpaved runway with length of 1,760m and width of 30m.
- Soroti Airport is located in Eastern Uganda and majorly used by East Africa Civil Aviation Academy for training purposes. The airport has one paved runway with length of 1,860m and width of 30m.
World airport database - Airport Codes in Uganda (UG) (airport-data.com)
Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft:
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) was established in 1991 with the main objective of promoting safe, regular, secure, and efficient use and development of civil aviation and carries out the following functions:
- Advisory role to Government in relation to civil aviation policy.
- Regulation of safety, security and doing business in air transport.
- Management and development of major airports within the country.
- Provision of air traffic and navigation centers.
Ongoing Projects:
Entebbe International Airport is currently being expanded to a capacity of 3 million passengers per year.
- Construction is currently ongoing; project plans include upgrade of runways, taxiways, apron expansion, new cargo terminal and a significant expansion of the passenger terminal.
Kabaale International Airport is also currently under construction in the western part of Uganda. This is a new greenfield airport.
- Main purpose of this airport is to allow transporting of materials that will be utilized in Uganda's planned oil refinery in Hoima.
- It is expected that the airport will support the development of the region's oil industry, as well as developing regional tourism and agriculture.
According to UCAA there are also plans to expand some of the up-country airports, current status is that a new passenger terminal has been completed in Arua in the Northwest region.
The government of Uganda’s relaunched national airline, Uganda Airlines, in August 2019. The carrier’s fleet is currently four Bombardier CRJ-900s and two Airbus 330 category.
The domestic market within air traffic is limited and mainly related to high-end business, oil sector, emergency services and part of the tourism market.