Budget airline Skyward Express has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Kakamega due to safety concerns.
In an official statement on September 28, the airline cited the poor condition of the Kakamega airstrip as the reason for the suspension.
“The runway no longer meets our safety standards,” the airline said.
Affected passengers will receive alternative travel arrangements.
Skyward Express has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from Kakamega, effective 30th September 2024, due to safety concerns over the deteriorating runway at Kakamega Airstrip. The Safety of our Passengers and Crew is paramount. pic.twitter.com/ljeNlVPNj9
— Fly Skyward Express (@SkywardExpress) September 28, 2024
The Kakamega airstrip was reopened in 2023 after undergoing renovations costing KES174 million. The renovations aimed to accommodate larger aircraft.
Skyward Express launched its Nairobi-Kakamega route in December 2022, offering a cost-effective travel option for residents of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and other nearby counties.
The Kakamega airstrip boasts a 1289-meter runway and a spacious apron for aircraft parking. Additionally, two new taxiways facilitate efficient aircraft movement between the terminal building and the runway, ensuring smooth passenger flow.
Skyward Express expands to Tanzania
Meanwhile, Skyward Express is set to launch its first international route, connecting Nairobi, Kenya to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The airline will commence operations on November 15, 2024, offering three weekly flights using a Fokker 100 aircraft.
Dar, tumefika!#TwendeKwaJirani#flyskywardexpress #TwenzetuDar#limitlesssky pic.twitter.com/mLleBlij1v
— Fly Skyward Express (@SkywardExpress) September 27, 2024
This new route will add to the existing competition between Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania on this popular travel corridor. Skyward Express, which currently operates domestic flights within Kenya and recently opened a new hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, aims to attract business professionals and tourists seeking convenient and affordable travel options between the two East African nations.
The number of visitors from Kenya to Tanzania has surged in recent years, with a 2.8-fold increase to 89,000 last year. This growth, driven primarily by holidaymakers and business travellers, underscores the strong demand for air travel between the two countries. Skyward Express’s new route is expected to further stimulate tourism and business connections.
