Wilson Airport To Be Closed Temporarily

Airlines relying on Wilson Airport for their domestic travels have been forced to reschedule their flights after the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced that it will be closed for six hours.

The authority announced that the airport will be closed on Thursday, July 28 and Friday, August 5, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on both days.

A military event near the airport's airspace is the reason for the temporary closure, which is expected to affect a number of flights, particularly those used by tourists visiting various parts of the country.

“The airspace will be closed on Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm and again on Friday from 10 am to 4 pm,” said KCAA.

A number of local airlines have since advised their passengers to check their flight status beforehand to ensure that they are not negatively affected by the development.

"To all our esteemed customers, please note Wilson Airport will be closed on July 28, 2022, and August 5, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For further clarification regarding the new timings, call our reservations team," stated one of the airlines.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) noted that the event in which President Uhuru Kenyatta will be present will be the consecration, presentation and trooping of the colours by the 21 Battalion, the Kenya Rifles and will take place at Ulinzi Complex, Lang’ata, Nairobi.

Wilson Airport is the primary hub for all light aircraft flying within Kenya and neighbouring countries and is one of the busiest light aircraft airports in Africa.

The airport serves domestic and international traffic and is used mostly by general aviation traffic.

The airport has previously been used by military aircraft in training for special occasions, as was the case during Madaraka Day, where the airport was closed on May 31 for preparations ahead of the event.

"They must be called to order. On May 31, 2022, they are closing our airspace for the 6th time in a month.

"Do they understand the damage they are causing to an already battered economy," FORD-Kenya party leader, Moses Wetangula questioned KCAA on the frequent closures.

The airport was also closed to pave way for the Kenya Defense Museum Air Show festival at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.