Flight disruptions expected at Wilson Airport

Flight schedules at Wilson airport will be disrupted for six days to allow the Kenyan military to conduct training drills ahead of Jamhuri Day celebrations.

The closure is expected to affect a number of flights that local and international travellers use to visiting various parts of the country.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has informed airlines using the airport that disruptions will take place on December 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, and 12 (Jamhuri Day).

“Passengers are also advised to counter check with their individual airlines to update changes on their flight schedule,” the aviation regulator said.

Fly Safarilink Aviation has advised its customers that the airport will be closed on diverse dates hence affecting some flights.

The carrier said affected passengers will be advised accordingly, with a pledge that they will be contacted on the way forward.

“We strongly urge you to reconfirm details with our reservations or operations team. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and would like to thank you for your co-operation and understanding,” it added. 

Confirming the temporary closures, KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe said that the disruptions will only last an hour on the affected dates. 

“The closures are temporary, maximum one hour,” he said. 

Jamhuri Day celebrations normally feature fly-pasts by Kenya Air Force jets.

This is not the first time an airport has been closed temporarily to accommodate the national fete. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) air space has been several times in the past for the celebrations.

However, the Wilson Airport closure is more disruptive since it will be spread out over several days. 

This year's Jamhuri Day celebrations, commemorating 58 years of independence, will be held at Nyayo Stadium.