GARISSA– Skyward Airlines has officially launched its inaugural scheduled flight between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Garissa, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen air connectivity and unlock new economic opportunities in North Eastern Kenya.
The launch was attended by Skyward Airlines Board Chairman Capt. Mohamed Abdi, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Chairman Brown Ondego, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director and CEO Moses Wekesa, Skyward Airlines CEO Diana Nyambura and other aviation stakeholders.
Speaking during the launch at Garissa Airport, Capt. Mohamed Abdi said the new route was about more than adding another destination to Skyward’s network, describing it as part of the airline’s broader vision of connecting Kenya’s counties and expanding access to economic opportunities.
“This is about connecting Kenya,” Capt. Mohamed said.
He said devolution can only achieve its full potential when counties are physically connected, allowing businesspeople, farmers, traders, professionals and tourists to move between regions efficiently, safely and affordably.
“We are not only moving passengers. We are moving opportunity, ideas, commerce and investment,” he said.
The Garissa route becomes Route Number 13 in Skyward Airlines’ growing network. The airline will operate four flights every week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, providing travellers with a faster alternative to the nearly six-hour road journey between Nairobi and Garissa.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam, Skyward Airlines Chairman Capt. Mohamed Abdi and aviation stakeholders flag off the inaugural Nairobi–Garissa flight at Wilson Airport, marking the launch of the new scheduled route.
Capt. Mohamed described Garissa as an important commercial centre and gateway to the wider North Eastern region, noting that improved air connectivity could help businesses access wider markets, facilitate investment and support tourism and trade.
“Kenya is much bigger than Nairobi. There is enormous economic potential in our counties, and our role as an airline is to help unlock that potential by making movement between regions easier,” he said.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam welcomed the new service, describing it as a major milestone in the county’s efforts to improve connectivity, attract investment and position Garissa as an emerging regional aviation hub.
The Governor said the County Government would continue working to ensure Garissa Airport meets the required standards and attracts additional airline operators.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam presents a recognition award to the Skyward Airlines team, led by Board Chairman Capt. Mohamed Abdi, in appreciation of the airline’s investment and commitment to improving air connectivity in Garissa.
He noted that the county’s ultra-modern passenger terminal is complete and awaiting KAA to furnish it and commence operations. The terminal includes passenger facilities such as washrooms, prayer halls, screening areas, offices and other essential amenities.
The County Government has also deployed two fire trucks and a standby team of firefighters to strengthen airport safety, while construction of a dedicated fire bay is expected to begin soon.
The transformation of Garissa Airport has been undertaken through a partnership between the County Government and KAA.
Skyward Airlines aircraft lands at Garissa Airport during the inaugural Nairobi–Garissa scheduled flight, marking the airline’s entry into the route.
The County Government constructed the passenger terminal, while KAA upgraded the airside infrastructure by extending the runway to 1.2 kilometres, widening it to 23 metres, constructing two 55-metre taxiways, a 230-metre aircraft parking apron and two turn pads.
The upgraded facilities are expected to improve aircraft movement and operational efficiency while enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and attract additional airlines.
Skyward Airlines has set the fare at KSh9,000, with a booking office already operational at Akhsa Mall near KCB Bank in Garissa. Travellers can also purchase tickets through the airline’s website and its Wilson Airport offices in Nairobi.
Capt. Mohamed said Skyward’s ambitions extend beyond the Nairobi–Garissa route. The airline plans to establish a second hub in Mombasa and explore direct connections between Garissa and other towns, including Mombasa, as passenger demand grows.
“Imagine being able to travel from Garissa to Mombasa without first coming through Nairobi. Imagine the trade, tourism, agriculture and investment that can flow directly between these regions,” Capt. Mohamed said.
Garissa Airport has received a major facelift, with refurbished facilities enhancing passenger experience and strengthening air connectivity in the region.
He said the airline wants to build a network that connects counties directly, reducing the need for travellers and businesses to pass through Nairobi when moving between different parts of the country.
“Route Number 13 is not the destination for Skyward. It is another step in a much bigger journey,” Capt. Mohamed said.
The new service is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, trade and investment in Garissa and neighbouring counties while making travel easier for residents, investors and development partners.
The entry of Skyward Airlines also introduces additional competition on the Garissa route, which has for years been dominated by Freedom Airline, and is seen as a vote of confidence in the county’s growing business environment and improving infrastructure.
With enhanced airport facilities and increased airline activity, Garissa is positioning itself as an emerging aviation and business gateway for North Eastern Kenya.
