Tag: uganda

Entebbe International Airport, the sole international airport in Uganda, holds a prominent location approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southwest of the town of Entebbe, situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This strategic positioning places the airport around 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest by road from the bustling central business district of Kampala, the nation’s capital.

The airport’s historical significance is rooted in its establishment by British Colonial authorities. Its prime location along Lake Victoria, coupled with existing facilities, led the colonial government to choose Entebbe as the optimal hub for aviation traffic in the region. Entebbe Airport officially reopened its doors on November 10, 1951, after extensive facility extensions, including the lengthening of Runway 12/30 to 9,900 feet in preparation for the de Havilland Comet aircraft.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several transformations, including the construction of a new main terminal building in the early 1970s by Yugoslav Montenegrin architect Aleksandar Keković. While the old Entebbe airport site is now utilized by Uganda’s military forces, it holds historical significance as the venue for Operation Entebbe, a daring hostage rescue operation conducted by Israeli special forces in 1976. This operation was in response to an Arab-German hijacking of Air France Flight 139, which had made a stopover in Athens, Greece, en route from Tel Aviv to Paris. Though the old terminal has largely been demolished, its control tower and airport hall still stand as remnants of this historical event. Entebbe International Airport continues to be a vital gateway for Uganda, serving as the country’s primary link to the global aviation network and playing a pivotal role in its history and development.

Arua Airport, situated in the Northern Region of Uganda, is a key civilian airport that primarily serves the city of Arua. As one of the 47 airports in the country, this facility plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to the national and international air transport network.

The airport is strategically located, being just 19 kilometers (12 miles) away from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the border with South Sudan. In terms of air travel, it is situated about 375 kilometers (233 miles) to the north-west of Entebbe International Airport, which is Uganda’s largest airport. This geographical positioning is crucial as it positions Arua Airport as a vital hub for passenger and cargo flights, facilitating seamless air travel and trade between Uganda and its neighboring countries, the DRC and South Sudan.

Arua Airport’s significance in the region is evident from its status as the second-busiest airport in Uganda, following closely behind Entebbe International Airport. It continues to contribute to the economic development and connectivity of Northern Uganda, making it a key player in the country’s aviation network.

Gulu Airport, a versatile civilian and military airport situated in the Northern Region of Uganda, serves as a vital entry and exit point for travelers coming in and out of the country. Located just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) to the north-west of Gulu’s central business district, the airport holds strategic importance as a key transportation hub in the region.

Gulu Airport serves the city of Gulu, which had an estimated population of 177,400 in 2020. It is one of the twelve upcountry airports managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and is among the five upcountry airports authorized to facilitate cross-border air traffic between Uganda and its neighboring countries, fostering tourism and regional connectivity.

Over the years, the airport has played various roles in different contexts, including during the Uganda–Tanzania War in the late 1970s and the civil war between the Ugandan government and the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). It has also served as a training base for UPDF fighter pilots. Gulu Airport continues to be an essential transportation hub in the Northern Region, enhancing the region’s connectivity and promoting economic development.

Soroti Airport, located in the Eastern Region of Uganda, serves as a key transportation hub for the town of Soroti. Situated approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) to the north-east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city, this airport boasts a well-maintained asphalt runway and apron, capable of accommodating aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737 without causing damage to the surface. The airport is perched at an elevation of 3,697 feet (1,127 meters) above sea level, enhancing its accessibility for various flights.

Soroti Airport has an interesting history. Initially, it was established as a training ground for the British Overseas Airways Corporation to instruct their pilots in tropical flying techniques. Subsequently, it served as a facility for the East African Civil Aviation Academy, where pilots from the East African Community received their training. Today, the airport is home to the Soroti Flying School, which possesses a fleet of diverse aircraft, including a Cessna 310. The flying school offers comprehensive training, including instrument and multi-engine ratings, and provides facilities like dormitories, food services, and classrooms.

Although Soroti Airport currently does not host scheduled airline services, it remains operational for non-scheduled flights, primarily through Eagle Air Uganda. Furthermore, the airport has played a significant role in Uganda’s military activities, as it became the designated base for the United States-donated Bell Huey II military helicopters used by the Uganda People’s Defence Force in support of the AMISOM mission. This dual-purpose airport continues to contribute to regional development and aviation training in Uganda.

Moyo Airport, situated in Uganda, plays a vital role in the country’s aviation infrastructure. This airport, among the forty-six airports in Uganda, is located in the town of Moyo, part of Moyo District in the West Nile sub-region of Northern Uganda. It is positioned near the international border with South Sudan, making it an essential transportation link for this region. Moyo Airport sits approximately 406 kilometers (252 miles) north of Entebbe International Airport, which is Uganda’s largest civilian and military airport. The airport’s geographic coordinates are 3°38′56″N latitude and 31°45′52″E longitude.

Moyo Airport serves as a small civilian airport primarily catering to the needs of the local town of Moyo. Despite its modest size and capacity, it plays a crucial role in providing air travel options in this part of Uganda. As of August 2011, the airport was not yet under the administration of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It sits at an elevation of 3,100 feet (940 meters) above sea level, enhancing its accessibility and operational capabilities. The airport features a single unpaved runway measuring 4,260 feet (1,300 meters) in length, which supports essential air travel in the region.

Moyo Airport’s location near the international border with South Sudan makes it an important point of entry and exit for travelers in the region. While it may be relatively small compared to Uganda’s larger airports, it significantly contributes to regional connectivity, serving as a gateway for those traveling to and from Moyo and its surrounding areas. As the aviation industry in Uganda continues to grow, smaller airports like Moyo Airport play a vital role in ensuring accessible transportation options for both local residents and visitors.