The government has revealed the completion of the first phase upgrade of Diani Airport, amounting to KES 170.0 million.
Transport and Road Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the milestone while inspecting the ongoing expansion of Diani Airport, formerly known as the Ukunda Airstrip.
Murkomen, accompanied by Coastal leaders, including Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani, highlighted various ongoing improvements aimed at increasing tourist visits to the region.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the extension of the runway to 1.4 km will raise the plane carrying capacity from 50 to 80 passengers. As the government looks to further expand the airport, plans are in place to collaboratively relocate locals in the vicinity to create space for expansion.
“The extended 1.4km runway can now accommodate higher capacity planes carrying up to 80 passengers, up from 50. The government is in talks with people living within Ukunda Airport to get them to move out amicably and pave the way for full utilization of the newly extended runway,” he said.
Murkomen noted that the extended highway will facilitate a 50% reduction in flight costs, from KES 20,000 to KES 10,000, thereby attracting more passengers to the tourist destination.
The airport, initially designed for small planes, limited the capacity of larger aircraft, leading to increased flight ticket prices for visitors to the region.
Additional improvements outlined by the Cabinet Secretary include the construction of a new terminal capable of accommodating up to 300 passengers, installation of more security lights, and an extension of landing times.
Local resort owners champion the expansion, anticipating increased accessibility for both international and domestic passengers. The expansion not only promises to significantly boost tourism in the South Coast region but also foresees the creation of additional job opportunities for the local youth.
