KCAA approval delays night flights on Wilson Airport's revamped runway

Night flights have yet to resume on the revamped main runway at Wilson Airport more than two weeks after it partially reopened for daytime use. Airline operators continue to face queues on a secondary taxiway once the sun sets.

Commercial flights at the airport predominantly land on runway 07 via the Bomas-Uhuru Gardens route. That runway was temporarily closed for about seven months to allow upgrades.

During the closure, airlines switched to runway 14/32, approached through the Kibera-Nyayo Highrise route. The arrangement produced congestion, longer aircraft turnaround times and higher fuel consumption as planes waited for clearance.

The Kenya Airports Authority reopened runway 07 on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for daytime flights between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. Night operations remain suspended.

The authority attributes the delay to pending approvals from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on the rehabilitated visual aid lights. The contractor working on the runway interfered with the Airfield Ground Lighting system during the rehabilitation works.

Repairs to the system have been completed, yet the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority must still give its formal nod before night flights can restart. An Airfield Ground Lighting system is the network of specialised lights installed along runways, taxiways and approach areas.

These lights help pilots navigate and land safely, particularly in low-visibility conditions and at night. Without approval for the restored system, full use of the refurbished runway is restricted.

“The AGL issue has been rectified, but for night operations to resume, KCAA approval is required. The night flights have not resumed yet as we are waiting for the approvals. However, the runway works were completed, and the runway was opened for day flights between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm,” the Kenya Airports Authority said.

Airlines operating from Wilson therefore remain unable to use the refurbished runway 07 for arrivals or departures after 6.30 pm. The limitation reduces the practical benefits of the reopening.

Carriers including Safarilink, Renegade Air and Airkenya Express adjusted their schedules during the works. Some shifted part of their operations to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Safarilink Aviation chief executive Alex Avedi earlier told Business Daily that airlines were at times forced to keep several aircraft engines running while waiting to take off. The practice raised operational costs.

The reopening of runway 07 was expected to ease congestion and restore more predictable schedules, especially for airlines serving domestic and regional destinations. That expectation has only been partly met.

Flights arriving after 6.30 pm from places such as Kisumu, Mombasa, the Coast and Zanzibar must still use the alternative runway or divert to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The restriction continues to affect evening operations.

Wilson Airport serves as Nairobi’s primary hub for domestic flights and general aviation traffic. Many operators rely on it for shorter routes and safari connections that often include late-day schedules.

The prolonged wait for night approval means the full capacity of the upgraded runway is not yet available. Daytime operations have reduced some pressure, yet the secondary runway continues to handle traffic after dark.

Kenya Airports Authority completed the physical runway works and opened the facility for daylight hours. The remaining step rests with the aviation regulator’s certification of the restored lighting system.

Airline managers have indicated that restored night access would allow more efficient use of aircraft and crew. Until the approval arrives, the secondary runway remains the only option after 6.30 pm.

The situation leaves operators balancing schedules around the current daylight window. Passengers on evening services from key domestic and regional points continue to experience the constraints of the temporary arrangement.