Passenger Flights Resume at Homa Bay's Kabunde Airstrip After Major Upgrade

Operations at Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay County have officially resumed this week, ending an eight-month period of inactivity. The facility had been closed to allow for significant infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of the runway and general upgrades to the terminal areas.

The arrival of the first passenger flights marks a shift for the region, which has relied on road transport or distant airports in Kisumu and Kisii during the construction phase. The reopening was met with a reception involving county officials and transport stakeholders who inspected the site to verify the readiness of the new installations.

The upgrade project focused on widening and strengthening the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which was previously a limitation for the airstrip. Prior to the closure, Kabunde primarily handled smaller light aircraft and occasional chartered flights, but the new specifications allow for more consistent commercial schedules.

The Kenya Airports Authority has been overseeing the works as part of a broader national program to improve regional flight connectivity. By enhancing the capacity of such fields, the government aims to reduce the pressure on main hubs and cut down travel times for those heading to the Western and Nyanza circuits.

The locals have expressed a need for these services to remain consistent, noting that previous disruptions often affected business logistics and emergency medical evacuations. With the runway now extended, the facility is expected to see a higher frequency of arrivals from Nairobi-based carriers.

Technical teams on the ground confirmed that the safety protocols and navigation aids have been tested to meet the required aviation standards. The expansion also included the clearing of flight paths and the improvement of the perimeter fencing to secure the airside from encroachment.

While the primary focus was on the runway, the terminal building also saw minor adjustments to handle the anticipated increase in passenger traffic. Travelers arriving at the strip on the first day of reopening noted that the landing was smoother compared to the period before the upgrades began.

The reopening coincides with increased demand for travel to Homa Bay, particularly for those involved in the fishing industry and regional trade. Officials believe that the direct link to the capital will encourage more technical experts and investors to visit the county without the logistical hurdles of long road journeys.

Maintenance crews are expected to remain on-site for a short duration to finalize minor aesthetic works around the parking bay. However, the core aviation infrastructure is now fully operational, and the schedule for commercial flights is expected to normalize in the coming weeks.