Skyward Express To Suspend Flights To Kakamega Over State Of Runway

Budget airline, Skyward Express on Saturday, September 28 announced that it will suspend all flights into and out of Kakamega, temporarily.

In a statement, the airline revealed that the suspension will take effect from Monday, September 30.

The decision was attributed to the condition of the runway at Kakamega Airstrip, which the airline found to be in deteriorating condition, thus posing a risk to the safety of its passengers.

"We regret to inform you that, effective 30th September 2024, we are temporarily suspending all flight operations to and from Kakamega. This decision is due to the deteriorating condition of the runway at the Kakamega Airstrip, which no longer meets our safety standards," the statement read in part.

A runway at Kakamega Airstrip. /THE STAR

Skyward Express added that its customer service team will be reaching out to all passengers with bookings on the affected flights to assist with alternative arrangements.

"For any inquiries or assistance, please contact us at our call center on 0709786000 or via email at reservations@skywardexpress.co.ke.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are hopeful that the runway issues will be resolved swiftly. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon," added the statement.

The airstrip was reopened last year after it was shut for renovation in 2013. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) revealed it spent Ksh174 million on the renovation, which was meant to allow the airstrip to accommodate larger aircraft.

Skyward on December 14, 2022, launched the Nairobi to Kakamega direct flights whereby passengers would be taking off from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and landing at the Kakamega Airstrip, in a ceremony attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Flights to Kakamega from Nairobi were at the time revealed to be affordable, with one of the local transport companies charging Ksh5,990 for a one-way ticket from Nairobi to Kakamega, a matter which led to an increase in flight bookings.

Other companies ranged their airfares between Ksh5,999 to Ksh7,999, cheaper compared to rates that forced Western Kenya travellers to connect via Kisumu International Airport.

Passengers bound for Kakamega were advised to arrive at Wilson Airport at least one hour before departure. Beforehand, passengers had been arriving at the airport two hours before departure on consideration of Nairobi city traffic among other factors.