PHOTOS: Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport Makes History with First Airbus A350-1000 Landing by Ethiopian Airlines

Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport on Friday marked a milestone in African aviation with the historic landing of an Airbus A350-1000 series aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines.

The state-of-the-art aircraft touched down at 11:00 a.m. and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute by the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, pointing to its significance in Uganda’s aviation history. Entebbe International Airport became one of Africa’s first to land the mega plane that is the envy of many.

The state-of-the-art aircraft touched down at 11:00 a.m. and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute

A premier model in the Airbus 350 family, the Airbus A350-1000, boasts an impressive capacity to carry 46 passengers in business class and 349 in economy class, with a maximum take-off weight of 322 tonnes. This landing showcases the growing stature of Entebbe International Airport as a hub for international air traffic.

Ethiopian Airlines: A Key Partner in Growth

Ethiopian Airlines, a leading player in African aviation, operates four daily flights at Entebbe, including a Boeing Dreamliner 787 with a capacity of 336 passengers and three Boeing 737 MAX flights accommodating 153 passengers each. The airline occasionally increases operations to six daily flights, utilizing its 5th freedom rights to serve routes through Juba, South Sudan.

The Airbus A350-1000, boasts an impressive capacity to carry 46 passengers in business class and 349 in economy class, with a maximum take-off weight of 322 tonnes

Receiving the Airbus, the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Ayub Sooma, praised Ethiopian Airlines as a key stakeholder in Entebbe’s development. “The landing of the Airbus A350-1000 series is a testament to the steady growth in air traffic and the quality of infrastructure resulting from the government’s expansion and upgrades to the airport,” Eng. Sooma noted.

A350-1000’s interior, the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category.

Onboard: Ethiopian Delegation for CAADP Summit
Onboard the inaugural Airbus A350-1000 flight to Entebbe was Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske-Selassie, accompanied by a delegation traveling to Uganda for the ongoing Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala 2025 summit.

Onboard the inaugural Airbus A350-1000 flight to Entebbe was Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske-Selassie, accompanied by a delegation traveling to Uganda for the (CAADP) Kampala 2025 summit.

The summit, an African Union Agenda 2063 initiative, focuses on increasing agricultural productivity and food security across the continent. President Atske-Selassie joins other leaders in discussions aimed at driving economic growth through agriculture-led development.

Ethiopia’s President Atske-Selassie (2nd R) shares a light moment with Uganda’s Defence Minister Oboth Marksons Oboth (R) and Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih (2nd R) at Entebbe International Airport

The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 marks a major achievement for Uganda’s aviation sector. It highlights the East African country’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to accommodate larger and more advanced aircraft, fostering stronger regional and international connectivity.

This milestone positions Uganda as a key player in African aviation, ready to support the continent’s growing economic and social integration.