Auditor General Highlights Revenue Loss as Wilson Airport Congestion Grounds 90 Aircraft

Wilson Airport, Kenya’s busiest domestic aviation hub, is grappling with escalating congestion that has left approximately 90 aircraft grounded. The airport’s ageing infrastructure and limited space are straining operations, raising concerns about safety, revenue loss, and the facility's future role in regional air transport.

Pressure Mounts on Infrastructure and Revenue

Originally built to handle around 20,000 passengers annually, Wilson Airport now serves close to 800,000 passengers each year. This massive surge has overwhelmed the existing terminal and airside facilities.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, informed the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing that a new master plan is nearing completion. The plan aims to guide the airport’s long-term expansion, including the construction of a new passenger terminal, rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking aprons to enhance operational capacity.

Training Schools Relocation Proposed

To alleviate congestion, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has recommended relocating aviation training institutions from Wilson Airport to less busy locations. Acting Director General Nicholas Bondo emphasized that this move would improve safety and reduce operational pressure. The rising cost of pilot training, with fuel expenses accounting for up to 42% of costs, adds urgency to this proposal.

Revenue Loss and Safety Concerns

The Auditor General has flagged significant revenue losses due to grounded aircraft, underscoring the economic impact of congestion. Each grounded plane translates into lost business for operators and reduced activity for flight schools.

Safety remains a critical focus amid modernisation efforts. The government assures that essential safety systems—such as fire and rescue services, backup power, and air traffic control—are functional. However, there is growing worry over unauthorized buildings encroaching on protected flight paths near South C, Nairobi West, and Lang’ata, which poses risks during takeoff and landing.

Urgent Call for Comprehensive Modernisation

Wilson Airport’s future hinges on effectively addressing infrastructure deficits, safety regulations, and congestion simultaneously. With passenger traffic far exceeding capacity and operational challenges mounting, the airport’s upgrade is imperative for Kenya’s domestic and regional aviation sectors.

Failure to act promptly risks prolonging revenue losses, compromising safety, and limiting growth potential at this vital transport hub.