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Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) Spokesperson Vianney Luggya stated that Entebbe International Airport has increased its capacity to hold 60-100 aircraft in anticipation of hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G-77) + China Summit in January 2024.

The expansion of Entebbe International Airport, which can now accommodate 60–100 aircraft, is expected to assist in facilitating the arrival of delegates ahead of the January 2024 Group of 77 (G-77) + China Summit and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This information was provided by Vianney Luggya, the spokesperson for the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA).

“We have enhanced the aircraft parking aprons; we now have more parking capacity, so that also is part of the preparations and it is very helpful. Entebbe International Airport has handled several similar conferences in the past; for instance, in 2007, Uganda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and Entebbe international airport ably facilitated the conference using the resources that we had. So, we are more than ready to handle and facilitate all delegates that will come in for NAM through the arrival and departure processes” Vianney stated.

Vianney added the construction of the new terminal building will be accomplished by the end of December, 2023 and unveiled to the public while other ongoing construction projects will be accomplished by July next year

“Departing passengers will be driven and dropped off by the terminal building; a person will be getting out of the car and entering the building. There will be no more lifting of the luggage from the parking as it has been before” Vianney added.

In recent years, Uganda’s fast-growing reputation as one of East Africa’s primary tourist and investment destinations has led to increased passenger traffic.

In order to secure continued economic growth and competitiveness, the Ugandan Government has decided to expand, modernise and reconstruct the airport. 

The new expanded passenger terminal will increase capacity from 1.5 to 3 million passengers annually.

It will have a total floor area of 20,000 m² with two main floor levels and a top level for offices. The ground floor will be used for a fully automated baggage sortation system and a goods delivery facility.

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Entebbe Airport officials held a dry run simulating facilitation of guests to the NAM and G77+China Summits along Entebbe Road to enable stakeholders involved plan accordingly.

Vianney, however appealed to the passengers especially on departure to arrive three hours before scheduled departure time not to miss their flights due to the increasing number of passengers during the festive season.