Arua Airport (RUA)

Arua, UG 🇺🇬 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

HUAR

IATA

RUA

Elevation

3951 ft

Region

UG-N

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: HUAR

Local Code: Not available

Location: 3.049152° N, 30.911714° E

Continent: Africa

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Traveler experiences at Arua Airport (HUAR (RUA)) indicate an airport in a state of transition and development. While strategically important for regional connectivity, the airport's current facilities are modest, though significant upgrades are underway to transform it into an international hub. Overall traveler sentiment appears to be colored by the ongoing development, with expectations for future improvements.

What Travelers Love
  • Strategic Location: Arua Airport is recognized as a vital hub connecting travelers to Northern Uganda and serving as a gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, facilitating regional trade and tourism.
  • Accessible Transportation: Various options for getting to and from the airport are available, including taxis, ride-sharing services, hotel shuttle services, and public buses. Car rental services are also available.
  • Ongoing Upgrades: Significant plans are in motion, backed by the African Development Bank and government partnerships, to upgrade the airport to international standards, including runway expansion, modern passenger and cargo terminals, and enhanced navigation systems. These efforts suggest a positive future outlook.
  • Reasonable Security Wait Times (as of late 2025): Recent data indicates estimated security checkpoint times of around 11 minutes and immigration processing times of approximately 9 minutes.
Common Complaints
  • Modest and Unequipped Terminal Facilities: As of early 2021, a new passenger terminal was under construction but not yet equipped. The general facilities are described as modest.
  • Limited Amenities and Dining: The restaurant at the terminal was not considered "at par," and travelers often had to go into town for food and drinks.
  • Limited Parking Space: As of 2021, the airfield had limited parking space, reportedly only accommodating about 20 cars.
  • Stalled Development History: Upgrade plans, initially announced in 2009, have faced delays due to compensation disputes with local landowners, though recent reports indicate these issues are being addressed and the project is back on track.

Arua Airport is currently an essential regional airfield undergoing a significant transformation to become an international airport. While current facilities are basic and have faced development delays, the concerted efforts to modernize it promise a substantially improved traveler experience in the coming years.

Last updated: 65 days ago

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Airport Routes

Route Network Map

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Top Routes (by observations)

Newly Discovered

Popular Flight Routes

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Top Airlines

Operating at Arua Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
1 6 1 Jan 27, 2026
Showing top 1 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18/36 5600 ft - ft Unpaved Active

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

The most common transportation options are private 'special hire' taxis and motorcycle taxis, known locally as 'boda-bodas'. Both are readily available outside the terminal upon flight arrival. It is standard practice to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before starting your trip, as vehicles are not metered.

Rental Cars

There are no major international car rental agencies with desks at Arua Airport. Car rentals must be arranged in advance through local car hire companies based in Arua town or via your hotel or a tour operator. Pre-booking is essential to ensure a vehicle is available for you upon arrival.

Public Transportation

There are no scheduled public buses or formal shuttle services that operate directly from Arua Airport. The primary modes of transport are taxis and boda-bodas. While shared minibus taxis (matatus) operate on main roads in the region, there is no direct, convenient service from the airport terminal.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

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Kabalega Falls Airport
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Moyo Airport
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~115 km away
Aba Airport
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~116 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.