(GARISSA, KENYA) – A month after the reopening of Garissa airport following a 710 million KES renovation, commercial airlines have resumed flights on the Nairobi-Garissa route, boosting air links and economic prospects for the North Eastern region.
The upgrade, which required a partial closure for building work, includes a longer runway, better taxiways, two VIP halls, passenger waiting areas, a prayer room and a bigger apron to handle more planes and improve service.
Skyward Express operated its first service to Garissa on Wednesday and plans to run four return flights each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A one-way ticket costs 9,000 KES, about $90 or £70.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, speaking at the launch event, said the scheduled flights would make it easier for people and goods to move in and out of the area and would support growth in tourism, trade and investment.
He said the money spent on the airport was now showing returns and that business would increase once the Kenya Airports Authority fully equips the facility.
“We knew that expanding the runway and terminal together with the national government was the right move. Today we see the results, with airlines now serving Garissa,” Jama said.
He added that the terminal now had complete facilities and thanked Skyward Express for choosing Garissa.
Captain Mohamed Abdi, the KAA manager for airport operations at Wilson airport and the Northern Region, praised the airline for starting the route and promised that the authority would keep working with carriers to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
He said the new service was not just an extra flight but a way to strengthen ties and bring the region closer to the rest of the country.
“Kenya Airports Authority is committed to providing safe, secure and reliable infrastructure so that airlines can operate well and passengers can travel with confidence. We are pleased to welcome Skyward Express as a partner in expanding connectivity through Garissa airport,” Abdi said.
He also recognised the county government’s role in building the terminal and said the launch marked a step towards greater opportunity and shared development for the North Eastern region.