List of Airports in Uganda
As of 2024, there are 12 airports throughout the country of Uganda according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Uganda are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Uganda
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arua Airport | RUA | Arua | Small |
| 2 | Entebbe Airport | EBB | Entebbe | Medium |
| 3 | Gulu Airport | ULU | Gulu | Small |
| 4 | Jinja Airport | JIN | Jinja | Small |
| 5 | Kabalega Falls Airport | KBG | Kabalega Falls | Small |
| 6 | Kasese Airport | KSE | Kasese | Small |
| 7 | Masindi Airport | KCU | Masindi | Small |
| 8 | Mbarara Airport | MBQ | Mbarara | Small |
| 9 | Moyo Airport | OYG | Moyo | Small |
| 10 | Pakuba Airport | PAF | Pakuba | Small |
| 11 | Soroti Airport | SRT | Soroti | Small |
| 12 | Tororo Airport | TRY | Tororo | Small |
Major Airports in Uganda
1. Entebbe International Airport
Airport Code: EBB
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC+3
Address: Entebbe International Airport, P.O. Box 533, Entebbe, Uganda
Nearby Cities:
- Entebbe (0 miles)
- Kampala (24 miles)
- Jinja (52 miles)
- Mukono (30 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Uganda Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- British Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 1.7 million passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda’s primary international gateway and is located approximately 24 miles south of Kampala, the country’s capital. The airport sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, making it one of the most picturesque airports in Africa.
The airport first opened in 1951 and has since undergone several major expansions, most recently with the construction of a new passenger terminal in 2018 to accommodate rising passenger numbers. It serves as the hub for Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier, and handles a substantial amount of both international and domestic traffic.
Entebbe’s strategic location in East Africa makes it an important transit hub for both business and leisure travel. The airport connects Uganda to major international cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and within Africa. Its role as a regional hub is further strengthened by its proximity to other East African nations, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, which makes it a key part of the East African aviation network.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Entebbe International Airport has one terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. It also features one main runway:
- Runway: 3,600 meters
The runway is capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, which makes the airport suitable for long-haul flights. The terminal has modern facilities, including check-in counters, duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and banking services. The airport has good ground transport links, including taxis, buses, and car rentals, providing easy access to Kampala and surrounding areas. Additionally, the airport is undergoing further expansion to increase capacity and improve passenger services.
2. Kisubi Airport
Airport Code: KSU
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC+3
Address: Kisubi, Wakiso District, Uganda
Nearby Cities:
- Entebbe (6 miles)
- Kampala (24 miles)
- Jinja (52 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Uganda Airlines (Domestic Flights)
- Various Charter Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 100,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Kisubi Airport (KSU) is a smaller regional airport located just 6 miles from Entebbe and primarily serves as a hub for domestic flights, particularly to remote areas within Uganda. It was established as a small airstrip to cater to charter flights and regional services, helping to ease the congestion at Entebbe International Airport, especially for domestic flights.
The airport’s proximity to Entebbe makes it an attractive alternative for short-haul regional flights and tourism-related services. Though not as large or busy as Entebbe, Kisubi plays an important role in the country’s air transport network, offering connectivity to smaller towns and tourist destinations in Uganda and neighboring countries. The airport serves primarily small aircraft, including propeller-driven planes used for domestic flights.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kisubi Airport is a small regional airport and features a single runway:
- Runway: 1,500 meters
The runway can accommodate small regional aircraft such as the Cessna 208 Caravan and similar narrow-body planes, but it is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft. The terminal is basic, with limited amenities for passengers, including a small waiting area and check-in facilities. Ground transport options include taxis and shuttles, providing easy access to Entebbe and Kampala.
3. Gulu Airport
Airport Code: GUL
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC+3
Address: Gulu Airport, Gulu District, Northern Uganda
Nearby Cities:
- Gulu (0 miles)
- Lira (68 miles)
- Arua (110 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Uganda Airlines (Domestic Flights)
- Various Charter Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 20,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Gulu Airport (GUL) is located in northern Uganda, in the city of Gulu, which is one of the largest urban centers in the region. It serves as a crucial regional airport, primarily supporting domestic flights to and from Entebbe and other parts of Uganda. Gulu Airport has historically been used for military and humanitarian flights, especially during the years of conflict in northern Uganda.
In recent years, the airport has seen a resurgence in passenger traffic, thanks in part to efforts to rebuild and improve infrastructure in the region. Gulu’s strategic location makes it an important link for development projects and the growing trade and tourism industry in the north of Uganda. The airport is increasingly being utilized by local airlines and charter operators serving both business and tourism-related travel.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gulu Airport has one runway:
- Runway: 2,000 meters
The runway can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft, including narrow-body jets such as the Boeing 737 and smaller regional aircraft, but it is not equipped to handle wide-body jets. The terminal is relatively basic and offers minimal passenger services. Ground transportation options include taxis and local shuttle services connecting the airport to the city center and surrounding areas.
4. Mbarara Airport
Airport Code: MBQ
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC+3
Address: Mbarara Airport, Mbarara, Uganda
Nearby Cities:
- Mbarara (0 miles)
- Kabale (66 miles)
- Fort Portal (100 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Uganda Airlines (Domestic Flights)
- Various Charter Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 15,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Mbarara Airport (MBQ) is located in southwestern Uganda, near the city of Mbarara. The airport is strategically positioned to serve the western region of Uganda and provides a vital link between this area and the capital, Kampala, and other parts of the country. Originally a small airstrip, Mbarara Airport has seen incremental improvements over the years, particularly with the expansion of the runway and terminal facilities to cater to increasing passenger numbers.
Mbarara itself is a key agricultural hub and is often referred to as the “Capital of Western Uganda.” The airport’s location makes it particularly important for facilitating trade, business, and tourism in the region. Its proximity to tourist destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi has made it increasingly important for charter flights and tourism-related travel.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mbarara Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,800 meters
The runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft such as the Cessna 208 and smaller regional jets, but it cannot accommodate large, wide-body aircraft. The terminal is basic, offering limited services for passengers, including check-in counters and baggage claim. Ground transportation options include taxis and buses that provide connections to Mbarara city and nearby towns.
5. Arua Airport
Airport Code: ARU
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC+3
Address: Arua Airport, Arua District, Uganda
Nearby Cities:
- Arua (0 miles)
- Koboko (24 miles)
- Nebbi (45 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Uganda Airlines (Domestic Flights)
- Various Charter Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 25,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Arua Airport (ARU) is located in the western part of Uganda, in Arua, the largest town in the West Nile region. The airport is an important transportation hub for both the local population and visitors, offering connections to Entebbe and other parts of Uganda. Originally a small airstrip, Arua Airport has been upgraded over the years to accommodate both passenger flights and cargo services.
The region surrounding Arua is known for its agricultural production, as well as its proximity to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Arua Airport serves as a gateway for trade and travel, especially for humanitarian and NGO operations in the West Nile region. The airport is also a key point of access for tourists traveling to the Murchison Falls National Park and other attractions in western Uganda.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Arua Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 2,100 meters
The runway is suitable for regional aircraft, including smaller jets and turboprops, but it cannot accommodate large, wide-body aircraft. The terminal at Arua is relatively simple, with essential services such as check-in counters and baggage claim areas. Ground transportation to the city and surrounding areas is provided by taxis and local buses, ensuring easy access for passengers.
