Fly 540, Fly SAX begin operations at Isiolo Airport

Two local airlines, Fly 540 and Fly SAX, have set up offices at Isiolo International Airport ahead of its opening for domestic flights.

The airport was scheduled for commissioning early this year but this did not happen as runway pavements were being worked on due to poor drainage.

The move is now awaiting a greenlight from the Kenya Civil Association Authority (KCAA).

Investors in the agriculture, tourism and livestock sectors from surrounding counties are eying huge benefits following completion of the facility.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), miraa farmers, exporters and tourism stakeholders on Monday expressed optimism that the Sh1.7 billion infrastructure will be a boon for their businesses.

Mr Isiah Miriti, a miraa grower, said the airport will ease transportation of the twigs locally and in the region.

He called on the government to fast-track opening of new markets for the crop as well as reclamation of European market for full utilisation of the airport.

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Reduce road accidents

Miraa exporters also want the plant's export hub relocated from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the new airport that sits on an 800-acre land.

The move, which could help reduce accidents along the Nairobi-Meru highway, is awaiting a nod from KCAA.

The crop is usually transported by speeding vehicles as it is a highly perishable commodity.

“We will be able to export miraa directly from Isiolo airport to Mombasa, Nairobi, Jubaland, Somalia and other countries. The heavy losses we normally incur while transporting the commodity via road to Wilson Airport will reduce,” said Mr Miriti.

Pastoralist farmers from Meru and Laikipia are also eying the hub for transportation of beef and horticultural produce.

"We normally ferry live animals on lorries to neighbouring counties but the new facility will enable livestock traders to transport meat by air," KNCCI Isiolo branch chairman Hussein Jamaa said.

He is hopeful that the airport's abattoir will be completed soon so traders from Isiolo, Marsabit and Samburu counties may benefit from the facility.

Boost tourism

Sarova Shaba lodge manager Josphat Ngali said the facility is a blessing since it will boost tourism in Isiolo, Samburu and Meru counties which are wildlife-rich regions.

“Tourists will for now travel from Nairobi direct to Isiolo airport to tour the northern circuit which has rare wildlife including Grévy's zebras,” he noted.

According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), domestic flights will start immediately it is opened.

KAA managing director Jonny Anderson said Sh1.6 billion is required to expand the runway from 1.4km to 4km, construct a control tower and set up a cargo unit.

The airport that falls under Isiolo and Meru counties has a 5,000 square metre terminal with the capacity to handle 125,000 passengers annually.