Homa Bay Airport

Homa Bay Airport
Summary
Airport type Public
Operator Kenya Airports Authority
Serves Homa Bay
Location Homa Bay, Homa Bay County, Kenya
Opened 28 January 2016
Elevation AMSL 4,242 ft / 1,293 m
Coordinates 0°35′30″S 34°28′48″E / 0.59167°S 34.48000°E / -0.59167; 34.48000Coordinates: 0°35′30″S 34°28′48″E / 0.59167°S 34.48000°E / -0.59167; 34.48000
Map
HKHB

Location in Kenya

Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
14/32 3,937 1,200 Asphalt

Homa Bay Airport (ICAO: HKHB), also known as Kabunde Airstrip, is an airport located 6 km (3.7 mi) from the town of Homa Bay in Homa Bay County, Kenya. It was modernised in 2015 and received its first commercial flights in January 2016.

History

In May 2015, the Kenya Airports Authority started to upgrade the airstrip, one of three airstrips across Kenya to be modernised, the others being Migwena Airstrip and Kisii Airport.[1] The upgrade was carried out to improve air service in the area, as residents previously had to travel to the distant Kisumu International Airport; and to boost tourism and business in the region.[2][3][4]

The modernisation cost Sh200 million and was contracted to Glanack Investment Ltd Co.[1][2] The runway was extended to 1.2 km (0.75 mi) and an apron was constructed. In addition, fencing around the airport was reinforced; and the road between Homa Bay and Rongo, which is used to access the airport, was tarmacked.[2]

In late January 2016, the airport was cleared to receive commercial flights, and a final inspection was carried out on 27 January.[3] The first passenger flights landed at Homa Bay on 28 January 2016.[5]

Facilities

Homa Bay Airport includes an apron and runway 14/32, which in 2015 was extended from 790 m (2,600 ft)[6] to the present 1,200 m (3,900 ft) to accommodate for larger aircraft.

Airlines and destinations

AirlinesDestinations
Fly540 Nairobi–Jomo Kenyatta

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ochieng, Justus (30 April 2015). "KAA Sh200m Kabunde airstrip upgrade". The Star. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Omoro, James (26 April 2015). "Airstrip set for Sh200m facelift to boost economy". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  3. 1 2 Mutai, Michael. "HOMA BAY: Kabunde Airstrip Cleared To Receive Commercial Flights". Radio Jambo. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  4. ↑ "Kabunde, Kenya set to open to traffic next month". Ch-aviation. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  5. ↑ Koech, David (29 January 2016). "Homa Bay Residents Crowd Runway To Receive Raila at Newly Refurbished Airstrip". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  6. ↑ Length of Runway At Homa Bay Airport
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