KLM has activated a global travel alert after a security incident in Entebbe, Uganda forced the carrier to modify or cancel selected services between 17 and 19 January 2026. The notice, updated at 00:30 CET on 18 January and published on KLM’s Australian website, offers free rebooking or refunds for passengers ticketed on flights to, from or via Entebbe during the affected window. New travel must be completed by 26 January 2026, and changes must be processed no later than that date.(klm.com.au)
Although the disruption centres on East Africa, it has immediate implications for Australian government contractors, NGO staff and mining personnel who hub through Amsterdam or the Gulf before continuing to Uganda. Travel-risk consultants say corporates should review itineraries for assignees heading to projects in oil, gas and infrastructure around Lake Victoria, and consider alternative routings via Nairobi or Addis Ababa if onward connections cannot be guaranteed.
The alert comes amid a wave of winter-weather delays at Amsterdam Schiphol, compounding the challenge of re-accommodation. KLM warns that seat availability is limited and encourages passengers to use self-service tools to monitor rebooking options in real time. Employers are reminded to track stranded staff through traveller-tracking platforms and to verify that medical and security evacuation cover extends to Uganda.
![KLM Issues Rebooking Options After Security Situation Disrupts Entebbe Flights]()
Australian passport-holders require an e-Visa for Uganda, obtainable online within 48 hours, but immigration queues can lengthen significantly during irregular operations. Mobility managers should advise travellers to carry printed copies of visa approvals and yellow-fever certificates, and to factor in extra lay-over time at regional hubs.
For travellers racing against the clock, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) can streamline the Uganda e-Visa application and handle multiple regional permits in one place, offering live status tracking and concierge support that help companies keep essential staff moving even when flight schedules remain fluid.
Those with tight project timelines may consider reallocating tasks to on-site teams or delaying non-essential travel until flight operations stabilise.
KLM says it is “working around the clock” to restore normal schedules once the security situation allows. Travellers with imminent departures should check the airline’s alerts page, app notifications and email updates before heading to the airport.
Although the disruption centres on East Africa, it has immediate implications for Australian government contractors, NGO staff and mining personnel who hub through Amsterdam or the Gulf before continuing to Uganda. Travel-risk consultants say corporates should review itineraries for assignees heading to projects in oil, gas and infrastructure around Lake Victoria, and consider alternative routings via Nairobi or Addis Ababa if onward connections cannot be guaranteed.
The alert comes amid a wave of winter-weather delays at Amsterdam Schiphol, compounding the challenge of re-accommodation. KLM warns that seat availability is limited and encourages passengers to use self-service tools to monitor rebooking options in real time. Employers are reminded to track stranded staff through traveller-tracking platforms and to verify that medical and security evacuation cover extends to Uganda.
Australian passport-holders require an e-Visa for Uganda, obtainable online within 48 hours, but immigration queues can lengthen significantly during irregular operations. Mobility managers should advise travellers to carry printed copies of visa approvals and yellow-fever certificates, and to factor in extra lay-over time at regional hubs.
For travellers racing against the clock, VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) can streamline the Uganda e-Visa application and handle multiple regional permits in one place, offering live status tracking and concierge support that help companies keep essential staff moving even when flight schedules remain fluid.
Those with tight project timelines may consider reallocating tasks to on-site teams or delaying non-essential travel until flight operations stabilise.
KLM says it is “working around the clock” to restore normal schedules once the security situation allows. Travellers with imminent departures should check the airline’s alerts page, app notifications and email updates before heading to the airport.
