The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced the full restoration of normal operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a temporary suspension earlier on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
In a statement, KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao confirmed that the airport had been declared safe and all flight and passenger services had resumed after the brief disruption caused by a security situation earlier in the day.
“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) wishes to inform the public and all aviation stakeholders that normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been fully restored following the earlier temporary suspension,” he said.
He assured travelers and airlines that the situation prompting the precautionary closure had been successfully contained.
“The security situation that prompted the precautionary closure has been resolved, and the airport has been declared safe for full resumption of flights and passenger services,” the statement added.
The temporary suspension came amid heightened security at the airport following the arrival of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, which drew massive crowds that breached restricted areas earlier in the morning.
The disruption had caused several flight delays and temporary diversions to other airports as authorities worked to restore order and safety at Kenya’s busiest aviation hub.
Arao thanked travelers, airlines, and the general public for their patience and cooperation during the brief suspension.
“KCAA appreciates the understanding and cooperation of travelers, airlines, and the general public during the brief disruption and assures continued commitment to the safety and efficiency of air transport operations,” he said.
The KCAA reiterated that it remains committed to upholding international aviation standards under the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Kenya’s Civil Aviation Act, CAP 394.
The authority emphasized that ensuring passenger safety, air navigation efficiency, and aviation security remains its top priority.
Operations at JKIA had largely normalized by Thursday afternoon, with both domestic and international flights resuming their regular schedules as security personnel continued to monitor the situation closely to prevent further incidents.