Wilson Airspace to be Closed Today For 4 Hours

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An undated image of planes at Wilson Airstrip
File

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced a temporary closure of the Wilson Airport airspace slated for Tuesday, May 31. The closure will affect arriving and departing flights from the Lang'ata Road based airport. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, KCAA's communications manager, Salim Bakari, noted that the airspace will be closed to pave way for military operations in preparation for the Madaraka Day celebrations. 

KCAA, the body tasked with regulating the airspace in the country, explained that the closure will last for four hours starting 4.30 pm. 

An aeroplane mid-air
An aeroplane mid-air

KCAA advised passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport at the stipulated time. 

The closure of the airspace had caused a raucous with Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula, taking issue with the airport's authority for closing the airspace numerous times within a month. 

"Kenya Airports Authority must be called to order. On May 31, 2022, they are closing our airspace for the 6th time in a month. Do they understand the damage they are causing to an already battered economy?" Wetangula enquired. 

KAA responded to the Senator, noting that their core mandate lies in the provision and administration of airports in Kenya. KAA directed Wetangula to KCAA which is in charge of regulating the airspace. 

This comes three days after the Wilson airspace was closed to pave way for Kenya Defense Museum Air Show Festival that took place at Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi. 

The closure lasted for seven hours from 7am to 2pm.

"Passengers scheduled to travel on Saturday through Wilson Airport are advised to check with their respective airlines for flight status updates," read part of the KCAA notice. 

Led by Kenya Air Force, the festival displayed both military and civilian aerobatic prowess aimed at engaging and entertaining the public. 

A collage image of KDF aircraft in the sky (LEFT) and Kenya Airforce soldiers during a past air drill ( RIGHT).
A collage image of KDF aircraft in the sky (LEFT) and Kenya Airforce soldiers during a past air drill ( RIGHT).
KDF