Air Cargo

Uganda Perishables Exporters Face Capacity Crunch Despite Continental Growth

Fresh produce exporters from Entebbe struggle with inconsistent air cargo availability despite African airlines' 7% capacity growth in 2025 outpacing 6% demand increases. The disconnect reflects uneven distribution across routes, aircraft types and seasons that leaves Ugandan peppers, ginger and avocados vulnerable to spoilage. KLM's suspension of Uganda flights in June removed a direct European belly option amid Ebola-related travel restrictions. Uganda Airlines' London Gatwick service, launched at four weekly flights in May 2025, has become critical for exporters. Gulf carriers provide widebody connections through Dubai and Doha, with Emirates SkyCargo moving over 91,930 tonnes of African perishables in 2024. A single weekly freighter to Liege supplements Uganda Airlines belly capacity for exporters, who book on week-long notice cycles tied to client ordering patterns.