The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the full resumption of operations at the Amboseli Main Airstrip, following confirmation that the facility is safe and fully operational after flood damage.
In a statement on May 8, KWS said the airstrip, which serves the Amboseli National Park, had been temporarily closed on March 9, 2026, after heavy rainfall caused flooding that disrupted aviation operations and tourist access to the park for nearly two months.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is pleased to inform all visitors, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, and stakeholders operating within Amboseli National Park that the Amboseli Main Airstrip, which had been temporarily closed on Monday, 9ᵗʰ March 2026 due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, is now safe and fully operational,” wrote the wildlife agency.
KWS Clears Amboseli Main Airstrip After Flood Recovery Assessment
According to KWS, a joint technical team inspected the airstrip on May 7 and confirmed that it had fully recovered from the earlier flooding. The assessment found that the airstrip was in good condition and met all the required safety standards needed for aircraft to operate safely.
Following this inspection, the authority said the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) lifted the closure notice (NOTAM) that had suspended flights at the airstrip. This decision immediately allowed flights to resume normal operations to and from Amboseli Main Airstrip.
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The authority said all airlines, pilots, and tour operators have been advised that direct flights to Amboseli Main Airstrip can now resume without restriction.
The wildlife agency thanked visitors, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, and other stakeholders for their cooperation and patience during the temporary closure.
KWS said it remains committed to ensuring safety, efficient access to national parks, and the protection of visitors and aviation operations across the country.
“KWS remains committed to ensuring safety, efficient park access in all our parks, and the protection of visitors and aviation operations,” stated the authority.
Earlier Temporary Closure of Amboseli Main Airstrip
KWS announced the temporary closure of the Amboseli Main Airstrip in March following heavy rainfall that caused flooding in the area, making the runway unsafe for aircraft operations.
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In a notice dated March 9, 2025, KWS said that aircraft operations at the main airstrip had been suspended until the conditions improved and the runway was deemed safe for landing and take-off.
The wildlife agency said the flooding follows the ongoing heavy rains in the country that have affected parts of the Amboseli ecosystem, leading to water accumulation on the airstrip. As a result, the runway cannot safely accommodate flights.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to notify all visitors, tour operators, and airlines operating flights to Amboseli National Park that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area,” read the notice.
To ensure continued access to Amboseli National Park, the authority directed airlines and pilots to use the nearby Tawi Airstrip as an alternative landing facility.
