Skyward Express, one of Kenya’s leading regional airlines, is temporarily suspending all flights to and from Kakamega, citing safety concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Kakamega airstrip runway.
The suspension, effective September 30, 2024, was announced in a public notice issued by the airline on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
“We regret to inform you that, effective 30th September 2024, Skyward Express will temporarily suspend all flight operations to and from Kakamega,” the notice stated.
“This decision has been made due to the deteriorating condition of the runway at Kakamega Airstrip, which no longer meets our required safety standards.”
The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
Skyward Express also reassured its customers that its customer service team would be in contact with passengers affected by the cancellations to assist with alternative travel arrangements.
“Our Customer Service team will be reaching out to all passengers with bookings on the affected flights to assist with alternative travel arrangements,” the statement continued.
While the airline did not provide a specific timeline for the resumption of flights, it expressed hope that repairs would be completed soon.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and remain hopeful that the runway issues will be resolved promptly. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.”
The suspension is expected to have a significant impact on both business and leisure travelers in the region, which relies heavily on air travel due to its relatively remote location from major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
Skyward Express has been instrumental in connecting underserved regions with these major hubs.
Runway commissioned in 2022
The flight suspension by Skyward Express comes as a surprise given the relatively recent rehabilitation of the Kakamega airstrip.
President William Ruto commissioned the airstrip’s new runway, taxiway, and expanded apron on December 8, 2022, following rehabilitation works undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at a cost of Ksh174.7 million.
Skyward Express made its first flight to Kakamega just days after the commissioning, on December 14, 2022.
The expansion and upgrade of the airstrip were seen as critical to unlocking Kakamega County’s economic potential, improving connectivity, and boosting tourism and commerce.
However, Skyward Express’s decision to suspend operations due to runway degradation, less than two years after the upgrades, has raised concerns about the airstrip’s maintenance and the long-term consequences for the region’s economy.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has yet to comment on the current state of the airstrip or any planned runway repairs.
However, the suspension is likely to increase pressure on KAA to expedite maintenance work to avoid further disruption to regional travel and economic activities.
Passengers seeking further information or assistance are encouraged to contact Skyward Express directly through their customer service line or email.
