Roberta Aguirre
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport closed on 21 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport was initially set to reopen on 26 June 2020, but it was later announced that it would reopen on 1 October 2020, with additional safety equipment to enhance passenger safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | 1 October 2020 |
| Previous Reopening Date | 26 June 2020 |
| Closure Reason | COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Closure Date | 21 March 2020 |
| Reopening Equipment | Thermo scanner, automated walk-through disinfection booth, stand-alone air conditioners, PPE |
| Reopening Cost | Shs 150bn |
| Daily Flights Before Closure | 90-120 |
| Daily Flights During Closure | 7-14 |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport closed on 21 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- The Ugandan government received a donation of safety equipment from the UN's IOM
- The equipment is valued at $271,000 and includes PPE, air conditioners, and a Thermo scanner
- The airport needs Shs 150bn to reopen and cover losses
- The airport will reopen in a phased manner to avoid congestion
The airport closed on 21 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the aviation industry, with Entebbe Airport in Uganda being no exception. The airport closed its doors on 21 March 2020 due to the pandemic, and the self-supporting Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has since faced significant financial challenges. UCAA's income primarily comes from air traffic, cargo operations, and non-aeronautical sources, all of which have drastically reduced. Monthly aircraft movements plummeted from 2,469 in April 2019 to just 241 in April 2020, and cargo volumes also took a substantial hit. The number of daily flights dropped from a pre-pandemic range of 90 to 120, to a mere 7 to 14, consisting mainly of cargo and emergency flights.
The closure of Entebbe Airport was indefinite, and it was initially reported that the airport would need 150 billion shillings to resume normal operations. This funding was intended to cover losses incurred during the closure and to implement preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The UCAA planned to involve the Ministry of Transport and the President in their decision-making process to ensure a safe reopening.
During the closure, the airport underwent upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus 380. Waiting areas were expanded or relocated to facilitate social distancing, and doors and faucets were replaced with motion sensor-operated ones. Health tents were also set up to screen arriving passengers, who would be observed and referred for isolation if necessary.
The tentative date for the resumption of regular flights was set for June 26, 2020. However, it was recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on the global aviation industry would likely be long-lasting, with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) estimating that the effects would be felt until at least March 31, 2021. The reopening of Entebbe Airport was eventually scheduled for October 1, 2020, with enhanced safety measures in place, including a donation of vital safety equipment from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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The Ugandan government received a donation of safety equipment from the UN's IOM
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport was closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ugandan government received a donation of safety equipment from the UN's IOM (International Organization for Migration), valued at $271,000, to enhance passenger safety for the airport's reopening on 1 October 2020. The equipment included a Thermo scanner, an automated walk-through disinfection booth, four stand-alone air conditioners, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The IOM's donation aimed to complement the Covid-19 measures already in place at the airport, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for passengers. The airport, which is Uganda's only international airport, had not experienced a closure of more than two months in its history until the Covid-19 pandemic. The closure significantly impacted the finances of the self-supporting Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), which relies primarily on income from air traffic, cargo operations, and non-aeronautical sources such as car parking and rental income.
Before the pandemic, Entebbe Airport handled between 90 and 120 flights per day, which reduced to as few as seven to 14 flights per day during the lockdown. The UCAA estimated that resuming regular operations and adapting to the new health and safety standards required a substantial amount of Shs 150bn. This funding would cover losses incurred during the closure and facilitate the implementation of necessary facilities and measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at the airport.
The IOM has been actively supporting the Ugandan government in various areas, including combatting transnational threats and building an Immigration Maritime Unit through training and equipment provision. The organization also played a crucial role in Uganda's response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in 2022, providing essential equipment and supplies worth $600,000 to enhance disease surveillance and response at border points.
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The equipment is valued at $271,000 and includes PPE, air conditioners, and a Thermo scanner
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport was closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport is set to reopen on 1 October with enhanced safety measures, including a donation of equipment from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). This equipment is valued at $271,000 and includes personal protective equipment (PPE), four standalone air conditioners, and a Thermo scanner. The PPE will ensure staff are protected, while the air conditioners will help maintain a comfortable temperature for passengers and staff. The Thermo scanner will allow for quick and efficient temperature screening of individuals, helping to identify anyone with a potential fever, a common symptom of Covid-19.
The air conditioners provided are stand-alone units, which can be easily placed in various areas of the airport to provide targeted cooling. Stand-alone air conditioners are a practical choice, as they can be moved to different locations as needed, ensuring flexibility and allowing for adjustments based on passenger flow and demand. While the specific models of the air conditioners are not known, modern air conditioners are generally designed to be energy-efficient, reducing power consumption and operational costs.
The Thermo scanner is a valuable tool for mass temperature screening, which has become a critical aspect of pandemic control. This non-contact device can quickly and accurately detect elevated temperatures, which is a key indicator of a potential Covid-19 infection. The Thermo scanner will help identify individuals who may require further assessment, allowing for swift and efficient isolation and referral, if necessary.
The PPE included in the donation is essential for protecting airport staff and preventing the spread of the virus. It may include items such as masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns, ensuring that personnel interacting with passengers and working in high-risk areas are adequately protected. This comprehensive set of equipment valued at $271,000 demonstrates the commitment to creating a safe environment for travellers and staff as the airport resumes operations.
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The airport needs Shs 150bn to reopen and cover losses
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport was closed for the first time in its history, with all its income sources grinding to a halt. UCAA's Manager of Public Affairs, Vianney Mpungu Luggya, stated that the authority asked the government for Shs 150bn in support to ready the airport for the resumption of flights. The money would cover losses and expenses incurred during the closure and fund facilities and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the future.
The airport usually receives income from air traffic, cargo operations, and non-aeronautical sources such as car parking and rental income from retailers. However, due to the lockdown, monthly aircraft movements reduced significantly, and cargo also decreased. Luggya said:
> "Entebbe used to experience between 90 and 120 flights per day, which have now reduced to between seven and 14 per day – mainly cargo and emergency flights. It is not a sustainable situation for the aviation industry."
The airport was initially set to reopen on June 26, 2020, but this was postponed to October 1. During this time, the airport prepared to implement safety measures and social distancing guidelines. These included the installation of automated sanitizing facilities, marks on the floor to ensure social distancing, and the acquisition of temperature guns and ultra-modern scans to detect temperatures at a 30-meter distance. Executive and health tents were also set up for screening and isolation.
The airport finally reopened on October 1, with enhanced passenger safety measures thanks to a donation of vital safety equipment from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). The donation included a Thermo scanner, an automated walk-through disinfection booth, four stand-alone air conditioners, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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The airport will reopen in a phased manner to avoid congestion
The Entebbe International Airport in Uganda has been closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport was initially closed for 32 days in March 2020, and only cargo services were allowed. However, when the COVID-19 situation worsened globally, the airport was closed indefinitely.
The airport is now preparing to reopen in a phased manner to avoid congestion and ensure a safe and comfortable passenger experience. Initially, the airport was set to resume regular flights on June 26, 2020, but it needed financial support to implement the necessary health and safety measures. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) asked the government for 150 billion shillings to cover losses, expenses, and the installation of new facilities and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The airport received a donation of vital safety equipment from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), valued at $271,000. This donation includes a Thermo scanner, an automated walk-through disinfection booth, four stand-alone air conditioners, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, the airport has implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) in line with guidelines from organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These procedures include the installation of automated sanitizing facilities, marks on the floor to ensure social distancing, the acquisition of temperature guns, and ultra-modern scans to detect temperatures at a 30-meter distance. Waiting areas are being expanded or relocated to allow for social distancing, and doors and faucets are being replaced with motion sensor ones.
The tentative plan for the phased reopening includes allowing each airline to operate one flight per day initially. With time, operations will be increased, with more flights in the second phase starting in January 2021 and full operations expected by March 2021. This gradual approach will help manage the number of flights landing and taking off, reducing congestion and ensuring a smooth transition as the airport reopens.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport closed on 21 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The airport was tentatively set to reopen on 26 June 2020. However, it was reported on 1 October 2020 that the airport was "set to reopen". It is unclear if it did reopen on this date.
To prevent the spread of Covid-19, the airport has implemented several measures, including:
- Installation of automated sanitising facilities
- Marks on the floor to ensure social distancing
- Temperature guns and ultra-modern scans to detect body temperature
- Screening and isolation tents to identify symptoms and test for Covid-19
- A requirement for all passengers to possess a valid Covid-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours before boarding
