Infrastructure

Malindi Airport Set for Revamp to Handle Flights from Europe

Upgrade will enable the airfield to handle bigger aircraft.

Updated on

April 10, 2021

The new apron at the Malindi airport. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Malindi International Airport is set to undergo a major upgrade as the Kenyan government seeks to open up north coast attractions to foreign tourists.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is planning to, among other things, extend the airport’s main runway to the north from 1.4km to 2.4km to enable the airfield to handle bigger commercial aircraft.

The airport currently sits on 248 acres and needs at least 640 acres to extend the runway and ensure the security and safety of the facility.

In a gazette notice issued last month by Nema, the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the project indicated that there would be loss of land and property in nine neighbouring villages, including Bondeni, Mtangani, Majivuni, Majivuni J.C.C, Furunzi A, Majivuni B, Furunzi B, Ziwani, and Kalimani Poa.

Nema called for compensation of the affected landlords in compliance with the law.

“Compensation for loss of land or property should be done promptly and should be based on market rates,” said the gazette notice, which urged KAA to publish a payment report to avert corruption.

“Such a report shall contain the list of the project affected person, property affected, terms and rates of compensation among other details,” Nema said.

In October last year, officials from the airport told the National Assembly’s Transport Committee that the facility was seeking about Sh4.3 billion to acquire land for expansion.

Flagship infrastructure projects

The coastal region, which is renowned for its stunning beaches, is shaping up as one of the next fronts in the ongoing flagship infrastructure development.

In 2016, the government allocated Sh300 million for compensation of landowners in Malindi after 25 hectares of land were acquired for airport expansion.

The State spent another Sh300 million on phase one of the airport’s expansion. The project included expansion of the airport’s apron, construction of a car park, and the erection of a 7.5km security fence.

Malindi International Airport only handles domestic flights, which is cited as a major stumbling block to tourism growth as international holidaymakers travel for longer hours before reaching the north coast.

The extension of the runway will allow the airport to accommodate bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 737-600 series with a capacity of 150 passengers. This is expected to increase international tourist arrivals from Italy and other European markets.

The expansion of the Malindi International Airport is a key part of the government’s efforts to revive and promote tourism in Malindi and Watamu in Kilifi County.