Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula has questioned the reasons behind the closure of the Wilson airport today after claiming that the airspace has been closed several in a month.
“Kenya Airports Authority must be called to order. On May 31st, 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?”
asked the Bungoma Senator.
The Kenya Aviation Authorities responded to Wetangula stating that their essential job mandate lies in the provision and administration of airports in Kenya. The authority asked Wetangula to further direct his questions to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) which is responsible for all regulations of the entire Kenyan airspace.
The KCAA manager, Salim Bakari said that the airspace will be closed in preparations for the Madaraka day as there is the certainty of the military airforce using the airspace during the celebrations. He has confirmed that the closure will last for 4 hours starting 4:30 pm until half past 8 pm. In the notice issued by KCAA, they have requested the passengers who were scheduled to use the airport to check the flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Recently, on Saturday, Wilson Airport was closed due to the Kenya Defense Museum Airshow that took place at the Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata road in Nairobi. On that day, the airport is said to have been closed for 7 hours; from 7 am to 2 pm. A notice also issued by the KCAA on Saturday also advised passengers to check their flight statuses for updates.
“Passengers scheduled to travel on Saturday through Wilson Airport are advised to check with their respective airlines for flight status updates.”
The airshow hosted by the Kenya Defense Forces in conjunction with the Aerospace Club of East Africa thrilled the public. Kenyan civilians turned up to witness firsthand action and drills that are carried out by the military. In attendance were the president, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed.
KDF holds Museum Air Show Festival – NewsDay Kenya
Lots of mid air stunts were performed by the jets to the public’s amazement and fascination. However, the most noticeable stunt was from the Mark Hensman team, a South African aerobatics group composed of four small aircraft that performed death-defying stunts in a synchronized fashion.