First direct flight from Mogadishu lands at JKIA

Kenya-based African Express Airways became the first aircraft to land directly from Somalia at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Wednesday in more than a decade following the resumption of express flights.

The inaugural flight carrying 49 passengers comes a week after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a directive for the resumption of the services within a fortnight.

Newly elected Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Mr Kenyatta led bilateral talks leading up to the directive during his first State visit to Kenya last week.

Boost relations, trade

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, who was at JKIA to receive the carrier, said the historic move signalled a revitalisation of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, saying that it would also enhance trade.

“For us in the transport sector, we have always been working to boost Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub,” said Mr Macharia.

KCAA Director General Gilbert Kibe confirmed that the Notice to the Airmen (NOTAM) that mandated all flights from Mogadishu to make a stopover in Wajir for security screening before coming to JKIA, had been lifted to allow for direct flights starting today.

Passengers will benefit the most due to the reduction of delays.

Although Kenya does not import as much as it exports to Somalia, cargo handlers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are also expected to benefit from the reintroduction of direct flights.

Nairobi had long argued that the security stopover in Wajir acts as a buffer against security threats posed by the Al Shabaab terror group that is based in Somalia.