This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
Wilson Airport, a key hub for domestic and regional air operations, has been closed due to disrepair, causing concern among investors in the hospitality and tourism industries.
According to Coast Tourism Working Group chairman Hasnain Noorani, the airport's closure is hurting city travel and hospitality industries, with hotel and tour operators set to be adversely affected.
"The airport is mostly used by domestic and regional air operators as well as charters where businesses earn money when they accommodate and ferry tourists from one location to another," Noorani said.
Wilson Airport, which started operations in 1933 as Nairobi Aerodrome, has been closed since early this month due to the disrepair, which is believed to have caused a series of air mishaps where aircraft veered off the runway.
"It is in need of serious attention and we are concerned that such air accidents could result in reduced bed occupancies within Nairobi and Mombasa cities," Noorani added.
Investors are calling for speedy repairs to restore the airport's status as a key hub for domestic and regional air operations.
