Garissa airport booms with new airline after modernization

Barely a month after the Garissa airport resumed operations following a Sh 710 million modernization project funded jointly by the national government and the Garissa County Government, airline companies have started flying the Nairobi-Garissa route, a move set to strengthen air connectivity and open new opportunities for the people of Garissa and the wider region.

The upgraded facility, which had been partially closed to allow rehabilitation works, now features an expanded runway, improved taxiways, VIP halls, checking areas, a prayer area and a larger apron designed to accommodate more aircraft and enhance operational efficiency.

Yesterday, Skyward airlines launched its first flight to the route, and is expected to fly four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at a cost of Sh 9,000 for one way.

According to Garissa Governor Nathif Jama who graced the launch of the new airline service at the Garissa airport, the introduction of this scheduled service will improve accessibility to Garissa, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and contribute to the growth of tourism, trade, investment and socio-economic activity in the region.

Jama noted that the investment in modernizing the airport had now started to bear fruits, and would attract more business opportunities when the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) fully equipped the airport.

“When we said that let’s expand the runaway and the terminal as a joint initiative between the county and the national government, we knew that we were heading somewhere. I am happy that today, those fruits are being realized. Today in Garissa, we are talking about airline companies serving us,” Jama said.

“We have this terminal, two VIP halls, a waiting bay for the public, prayer area and checking areas. This is now a complete terminal. We thank the Skyward express for trusting us and for seeing the opportunity in Garissa,” he added.