Wilson Airport runway revamp leaves airlines counting losses

Airlines operating at Wilson Airport say they have suffered losses running into hundreds of millions of shillings as delayed runway rehabilitation works continue to disrupt aviation operations.

With the tourism industry entering its peak season, the aviation sector is increasingly concerned that these losses will balloon in the coming months.

The specific figure cited by operators is losses exceeding Sh620 million, with warning that costs will rise further as disruptions persist.

Wilson Airport serves as Nairobi's primary hub for general aviation, domestic flights, tourism charter operations, and humanitarian support missions.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is undertaking the rehabilitation project, which includes critical repairs to sections of Runway 14/32.

The project is implemented in five phases and covers pavement repairs, apron improvements, and associated infrastructure work.

Officials state the runway should be completed within 18 months, with work proceeding in sections to allow the airport to remain operational.

The enhancement includes extension of the runway to allow landing of bigger equipment, aiming to improve operational efficiency.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika inspected the ongoing works in March 2026 to assess progress.

The department has said it will continue monitoring progress to ensure quality and timely delivery of the rehabilitation project.

Domestic carriers have been forced to divert some evening flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) due to the disruptions.

These diversions add operational costs for airlines and create inconvenience for passengers who face longer travel times to JKIA.

Aviation sector players have also raised alarm over questionable engineering standards and poor workmanship at the Wilson Airport upgrade.

Some players warn that shoddy works risk leaving the airport in a worse state than before the rehabilitation began.

The airport handles more than 120,000 aircraft movements annually, making it one of the busiest domestic hubs in East Africa.

KAA Chairman Caleb Kositany led a site inspection in February 2026 to monitor progress on the runway rehabilitation works.

The rehabilitation involves excavation and relaying of runway materials to address wear and tear on the aircraft movement areas.

Current visible work includes preparation of the sub-base and application of new asphalt layers across the airport's secondary flight surfaces.

The authority has not issued a specific completion date for the current phase, though work proceeds in sections.

This situation directly affects airlines dependent on Wilson Airport for their daily operations and scheduled flight networks.

The delay in runway rehabilitation works is the primary cause of the disruption and subsequent financial strain on carriers.

Losses are mounting as the peak tourism season approaches, raising concerns about further financial impact across the sector.