The Kenya Kwanza administration has initiated an ambitious project to expand Diani Airport in Kwale County. Resident Engineer Janet Kahuro shared that the current focus of the works is on the apron, which is the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.
Kahuro explained that the expansion aims to increase aviation traffic in the region and capitalize on the growing tourism sector. In this latest phase, Diani Airport is expected to boost its aircraft hosting capacity from three to four at a time. “Here at Diani Airport, we are undertaking the expansion of the apron to facilitate additional parking from the current parking of three aircraft to be able to accommodate four aircraft at a go, thereby increasing the number of aircraft that are coming to Diani Airport,” she stated in a video shared by President William Ruto on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
During the first phase of the expansion, the existing runway was extended by 200 meters, and a new apron was constructed. Previously, the airport’s length limited it to smaller planes, such as the Bombardier Q200 and Q300, forcing many airlines to either reduce their capacity or avoid the route. However, the expansion will now allow larger planes to land in Diani.
Commenting on the project, Interior Cabinet Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that the expansion of Diani Airport is a transformative initiative poised to establish Kwale County as a key hub for trade and tourism. He emphasized that the airport will generate more jobs and business opportunities for the area.
“As the county prepares to host the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations, this milestone development will shine a spotlight on Kwale’s growing potential, with Diani Airport serving as a gateway to new economic opportunities. For the local community, this project is already bringing benefits, creating jobs during construction and promising to uplift businesses in tourism, hospitality, and local trade,” Omollo wrote on his X page. “Kwale’s rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches make it a prime destination, and with improved accessibility, the airport will drive economic growth and transform the county into a vibrant coastal economy,” he added.
