This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Kenya's Wilson Airport, a major domestic air travel hub, is facing a major facelift following a series of safety incidents. The airport, which serves over one million passengers annually, has been plagued by concerns over its runway and aircraft safety.
On May 2, 2019, a Silverstone plane skidded off the runway shortly after take-off, injuring two people. The incident was one of two recent accidents at the airport, prompting the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to conduct an audit inspection of airlines operating at the facility.
Speaking in Nairobi, KCAA Director General Gilbert Kibe said the airport would undergo 'comprehensive' renovations, citing congestion and inadequate infrastructure as major factors hindering the airport's optimal functioning.
According to Captain Kibe, the airport's growth has resulted in congestion, with larger aircraft occupying the space of four smaller ones. To address this issue, the airport will need to be decongested of larger planes before repairs can begin.
The planned renovations will target the airport's runway, taxiway, apron, and other key infrastructure. The move aims to improve safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents at the facility.
