Uganda Tour News

ARUA AIRPORT UPGRADE COMMENCES

13th July, 2009 - Posted by admin - No Comments

The upgrade of Arua Airfield to an international airport has begun, with a Shs1.53 billion terminal building, access road and parking yard will be constructed under Phase I.

The airfield will be expanded by about 150 meters and tarmac the runway from 1.8 to 2.5 kilometers, in order to facilitate large passenger and cargo planes to land in Arua

Dr. Mukuza Rama, the Executive Director of CAA, said the upgrade would position Arua as tourism and business hub within one year of completion, as the airport will serve as a tourism and commercial centre for East and Central Africa as well as a point for international entry and exit.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that the upgrade and will be completed in March 2010, and the new airport will be able to handle 70,000 people annually. Arua airfield handled about 10,000 passengers and 1,730 flights in 2008 while Entebbe International Airport handles about 4 million passengers a year.

The Completion of the upgrade will improve efficiency and provide more options to facilitate travel in and around the country.

By Jackie Kisibo

Uganda News