This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced plans to give Wilson Airport a major facelift, following complaints from various stakeholders about the airport's worrying state.
According to Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director-General Gilbert Kibe, the renovation is necessary due to a host of factors that hinder the optimum functioning of the airport. Speaking last Friday, Kibe noted that Wilson Airport has grown to accommodate about 1 million passengers a year, despite being designed for half that number.
As a result, the airport has experienced congestion, particularly with larger aircraft. Kibe explained that one such aircraft can occupy the space of about four small ones, leading to safety concerns.
At a recent stakeholder meeting, KCAA was among the participants who reached the decision to renovate the airport. The plan includes decongesting the airport of larger planes, which will be moved to JKIA, to allow for repair work to commence.
Targeted for the major makeover are the airport's runway, taxiway, apron, and other key infrastructure. Kibe expressed satisfaction that all operators have given their buy-in to the proposal, citing that they were all for the idea to have the airport renovated.
The plans come as the aviation sector continues to grow, further piling pressure on airport operators to carry out major reforms.
