CAA Clears 15 Air Service Applications Amid Aviation Sector Growth
Uganda’s aviation sector continues to attract fresh investment, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) considering 15 air service licence applications five renewals and 10 new entrants during its 53rd Air Services Licensing Committee meeting in Kampala. The session, held at Protea Hotel, drew regulators, industry players and prospective operators, signalling rising investor confidence in the […] The post CAA Clears 15 Air Service Applications Amid Aviation Sector Growth appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
Uganda’s aviation sector continues to attract fresh investment, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) considering 15 air service licence applications five renewals and 10 new entrants during its 53rd Air Services Licensing Committee meeting in Kampala.
The session, held at Protea Hotel, drew regulators, industry players and prospective operators, signalling rising investor confidence in the country’s air transport industry.
Speaking at the meeting, CAA Deputy Director General Olive Lumonya said the growing number of applicants reflects a more competitive and expanding aviation space.
“The interest we are seeing today is a clear indication that Uganda’s aviation sector is growing steadily and attracting new players,” Lumonya said.
She noted that the public licensing hearings are a legal requirement designed to ensure transparency, accountability and stakeholder participation in the approval process.
However, Lumonya warned that ongoing Ebola-related travel restrictions are weighing on the sector, with several international airlines scaling back operations.
“We have seen airlines such as KLM, FlyDubai and Saudi Airlines suspend flights, while others like Emirates have introduced strict travel conditions,” she said.
Under the restrictions, some passengers are required to have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before travelling, a move that has reduced passenger numbers and flight frequencies.
The impact is already being felt at Entebbe International Airport, where revenues are closely tied to passenger traffic.
“The airport depends on traffic. When flights reduce, it directly affects our financial performance,” Lumonya said.
Despite the setback, she expressed optimism that the situation will stabilise as government steps up efforts to contain Ebola and reassure international carriers.
“We are engaging airlines and sharing updates on the measures being implemented to manage the situation,” she added.
The applications under review span a wide range of services, including scheduled and non-scheduled passenger flights, cargo operations, flight training, aerial work and private aviation.
New applicants include Cubic Air SMC Limited, Misk Air Limited, Premier Airlines Limited, Ubuntu Air Limited, Asante Aviation Limited, Mungufeni Aviation Uganda Limited, Arasus Aviation Limited and Air Serv Limited. Kampala Executive Aviation also applied for new cargo services alongside a renewal request.
Renewal applicants include Transafrik Uganda Limited, Grand Air Services Limited, Eagle Air Limited and AIM Air.
CAA said all applications were publicly advertised in line with regulations to allow stakeholder feedback before final approvals are granted.
CAA board chairperson, retired Justice Steven Kavuma, said the rising number of applications points to a stable regulatory environment and growing investor confidence.
Uganda currently has 25 licensed air operators and air service agreements with 64 countries, supporting connectivity, trade and tourism.
About 20 international airlines operate scheduled flights through Entebbe, linking Uganda to key global destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Kavuma also highlighted the expansion of Uganda Airlines, which now serves 15 destinations and has been designated to operate up to 23 routes worldwide.
Meanwhile, government continues to invest in aviation infrastructure, including upgrades to regional airfields such as Gulu, Arua, Kasese, Kisoro, Kidepo and Pakuba, as well as ongoing expansion works at Entebbe International Airport.
CAA officials said the sector remains on a steady growth path despite short-term disruptions, with increasing demand and investment expected to strengthen Uganda’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The post CAA Clears 15 Air Service Applications Amid Aviation Sector Growth appeared first on Daily Star.
