The Civil Aviation Authority says it has concluded all necessary preparations and is now waiting for the President’s directive to have the airport re-opened.
This was revealed during the unveiling of 800 million shillings worth of equipment paid for by the United Nations and the International Organisation for Migration on Tuesday at Entebbe International airport.
The equipment, which includes automated sanitising machines, infrared temperature scanners, and Personal Protective Equipment will be used by the staff and passengers to combat COVID-19
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Public Relations Officer, Vianney Luggya confirmed that the schedule was still being discussed.
“It is a tentative schedule that is being discussed with Air operators for planning purposes. We still await Government’s official pronouncement of the exact date. The schedule can always be adjusted accordingly,” Luggya said.
Government recently set strict aviation guidelines for airlines and travellers before reopening Entebbe International Airport.
As part of the requirements, the airlines shall ensure that travellers arrive at the airport at least four hours to boarding in order to go through health and security screening requirements.
All persons entering the airport shall wear Ministry of Health approved face masks, go through thermo screening, hand wash and sanitize hands and body at different stages.
President Museveni closed Entebbe International Airport to all commercial flights on March 22, 2020 and only allowed cargo and UN planes carrying humanitarian emergency in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The European Union (EU) recently urged Uganda to adopt the new coronavirus rapid tests technology as the government continues to work towards safe ways of re-opening Entebbe International Airport to travellers.