Kenyans and foreign visitors will now be able to fly to the Northern parts of Kenya after President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the newly built Isiolo International Airport.
The Sh 2.5 billion ultra-modern airport is a part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project.
The airport is expected to boost transportation and market for miraa, beef and fresh produce exports from Kenya’s Northern and Eastern regions.
Speaking at the launch on Sunday, President Kenyatta said the airport will also open up the Northern tourism belt to increase the number of tourists and boost the economy for the benefit of the residents.
“This airport is a catalyst to economic development that will come with the expansion of tourism and creation of quality job opportunities,” President Kenyatta said.
He said the airport will open up access to the beautiful Northern Kenya tourism attractions, which include eco-tourism, rich cultural heritage, national reserves, private ranches, wildlife conservancies and anticipated the resort city.
The airport, which is located in Isiolo County with half of the runway extending to Meru County, covers an area of 329.76 hectares and is elevated 3501 feet above sea level. Its runway is 1.4 km long with a new apron measuring 150m by 75m long and 23m width that can handle 6 Code ‘C’ Aircrafts.
Its passenger terminal building has a throughput capacity of 125,000 passengers annually with a floor area of 5000 square metres while its passengers terminal car park has a capacity to accommodate 200 cars.
The terminal building amenities include 9 check-in counters (domestic and international), a VIP lounge, restaurants, duty free shops, banking facilities, forex bureaus, airline front offices and shops.
President Kenyatta was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto and other dignitaries.
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