Normal operations resume JKIA after temporary closure

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced the resumption of normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a temporary closure earlier on Thursday.

In a statement, KAA confirmed that flight operations have now returned to normal and assured the public that safety and security measures remain in place.

“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is now open to normal operations following the temporary closure earlier today,” Acting Managing Director and CEO Mohamud Gedi said.

The authority advised passengers who had flights scheduled during the disruption to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information and travel arrangements.

KAA expressed gratitude to travellers, airlines, and the general public for their patience and understanding during the brief interruption.

“We remain committed to maintaining safe, secure, and efficient airport operations at JKIA,” Gedi added.

Earlier in the day, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced a temporary suspension of operations at JKIA due to a security situation that arose as mourners gathered for the arrival of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s remains.

This forced authorities to temporarily close the airport to restore order and ensure safety.

KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Director General Emile Arao said.

The aviation authority urged members of the public and travellers to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice, saying normal operations would resume once the airport is declared secure.

“KCAA regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation,” he added.

Crowds of mourners and boda boda riders gained access to the State Pavilion during the arrival of the body of the late Raila Odinga.

The unexpected surge disrupted the official reception programme, forcing security officers to momentarily lose control of the situation as emotional supporters broke through barriers to catch a glimpse of the hearse carrying Raila's remains.

Efforts by joint security personnel of military and GSU to contain the crowd proved futile as hundreds pushed past the barricades, as others scaled the perimeter wall, chanting Raila’s name and waving twigs.

The boda boda riders who gained access to the facility rode into restricted areas, further overwhelming the officers on duty.

Despite the disruption, the atmosphere remained largely peaceful, with mourners singing Raila’s popular slogans "Jowie" as the casket was received.

Security agencies later restored order as the procession prepared to depart for the Lee Funeral home ahead of the public viewing at Kasarani stadium.