This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
On January 5, 2020, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced the indefinite closure of the Manda airstrip in Lamu, Kenya, following an attack by Al Shabaab fighters.
The airstrip, which serves as a military base for American and Kenyan soldiers, was targeted by the militant group, prompting the KCAA to suspend all civilian flights to the area.
"We have suspended civilian aircraft to that airstrip indefinitely. We are assessing the disruption and would advise on its opening later," said Captain Gilbert Kibe, KCAA Director General, in a statement to the Nation.
The closure affects local and international passengers who use the facility to travel to the Lamu Archipelago, with several airlines, including Fly 540, Skyward Express, Fly Sax, and Air Kenya, notifying their customers of the move.
"Please note that the Manda Airport - Lamu has been closed till further notice," Fly 540 stated in a notification to its customers.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to Lamu county commissioner Irungu Macharia.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the attack on the coastal base and stated that it is monitoring the situation, with Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility for the incident.
