The Kenya Kwanza administration has embarked on an ambitious project of expanding Diani Airport in Kwale County.

According to resident engineer, Janet Kahuro, the latest works are centered around the apron. The airport apron is is the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.

Kahuro explained that the expansion works are aimed at increasing aviation traffic in the area and tap into the blossoming tourism sector in the region.

In the latest phase, Diani Airport is expected to increase its aircraft hosting capacity to four at a go.

“Here at Diani Airport we are undertaking the expansion of the apron to facilitate additional parking from the current parking of three aircrafts to be able to facilitate the parking of four aircrafts at a go thereby increasing the number of Aircrafts that are coming to Diani Airport,” Janet Kahuro, Resident Engineer stated in a video shared by President William Ruto on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

During the first expansion phase, the existing runway was increased by 200 meters, and a new apron was built. The previous length of the airport was limited to aeroplanes with more weight.

It was initially designed to serve small planes such as the Bombardier Q200 and Q300.

This compelled most airlines to carry less capacity or avoid the route, however, its expansion allowed bigger planes to land in Diani.

Projected benefits

Commenting on the works, Interior Cabinet Secretary Raymond Omollo indicated that the expansion of Diani Airport is a transformative project that is set to elevate Kwale County as a key hub for trade and tourism.

He argued that the airport will create more jobs and businesses opportunities for the region.

“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 turn the county into a vibrant coastal economy,” he added.