The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has addressed reports making the rounds on social media about the construction of a petrol station near the flight path of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) along Mombasa Road.
In a public statement dated March 9, KCAA confirmed having seen surfacing social media claims on the ongoing construction at the airport.
“Attention has been drawn via social media to an ongoing construction of a petrol station at JKIA’s flight path,” read part of the KCAA statement.
KCAA Responds to Social Media Claims on Petrol Station Construction
The authority stated that the development underwent the required technical review and analysis before receiving approval in line with aviation regulations.
“The development referenced near JKIA along Mombasa Road has undergone the required review and analysis and granted approval as required by the Regulations,” it noted.
Further, the authority said all projects located at or near an aerodrome must follow established procedures and aviation safety protocols before approval is granted.
“It should be noted that all project/development proposals at or in the vicinity of the aerodrome are subjected to due process and established aviation safety protocols by KCAA,” they confirmed.
Social Media Reactions on Petrol Station Construction Near JKIA Flight Path
After clarification, Kenyans are still questioning how a petrol station could be allowed near the area, saying motorists are usually arrested if their vehicles stall there.
A Facebook user, Da Niel Alves, argued that allowing vehicles to park at the station around the clock would contradict existing restrictions and called for the law to be applied equally, adding that the landing zone should remain free of such developments.
“If your vehicle stalls at that area, Airport Police are quick to arrest, now vehicles will be parking there 24/7?? The law should be applied equally. The landing zone is prohibited,” he said in his comment.
Maundu Maloba questioned the approval, noting that the area had historically been a restricted aircraft-approach corridor and asked whether the flight path had changed.
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“How now? Through the years, this was a restricted approach corridor. Did the flight path shift?” he questioned.
JKIA Two-Phase Modernisation Plan Details
Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, on March 3, unveiled an ambitious expansion and modernisation programme for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, detailed a programme of works structured in two phases: immediate improvements to relieve existing congestion, followed by long-term expansion to accommodate future demand.
The first phase involves upgrading the existing runway, building a partial parallel taxiway, and constructing rapid-exit taxiways and a runway-end exit to reduce runway occupancy time.
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It also includes reconfiguring and selectively expanding the current passenger terminals, digitalising check-in, immigration, security screening, and baggage handling, and enhancing vehicle circulation and parking areas.
These measures are intended to ease pressure on the airport while the larger expansion programme gets underway.
The second phase will involve the construction of a new passenger terminal capable of handling an additional 10 million passengers per year, with provision for future expansion.
The terminal will be supported by new aprons, taxiways, and aircraft support facilities, upgraded air traffic control systems, and modern firefighting, cargo, maintenance, fuel, and utility infrastructure. It will also be backed by improved landside access roads and expanded parking infrastructure.
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