Kenya cites ‘security concerns’ over direct flight suspension

Kenyan authorities have defended the reinstatement of the Wajir stopover for Nairobi bound flights from Mogadishu terming the move as dictated by security concerns.

The local daily, Daily Nation quoted Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) director general Gilbert Kibe saying the decision to reroute the flights from Mogadishu was ‘purely for security reasons’.

In a Notice to the Airmen (NOTAM), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said Thursday all flights from Mogadishu will be required to stop over in Wajir Airport.

“All flights from Mogadishu, Somalia must route via Wajir for security checks before proceeding to their final destinations,” the notice read in part.

Kenya reneges on flights pact, reinstates Wajir stop-over

But Somalia protested the move terming it ‘politically motivated’. The Ministry of Transport said the decision by Kenya would hurt Somalis calling for a review.

“The Federal Government of Somalia believes this action places undue burden on Somali citizens and other travellers,” the statement by the Transport Ministry said.

According to KCAA, the direct flight’s suspension will continue until August 9, 2019.