Cargo operations have recommenced at Eldoret International Airport, Kenya, following an eight-month suspension, with Astral Aviation spearheading the resumption on March 8, 2024. This development is a result of a concord between the Kenya Association of International Cargo Consolidators (KAICC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), enabling weekly 40-ton cargo flights to the Middle East and beyond.
Astral Aviation's commercial manager, Mustafa Murad, highlighted the significant demand for perishable goods in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the strategy to maximize cargo volume from Nairobi. The KRA has expressed commitment to enhancing operations and ensuring cargo flow efficiency, with customs commissioner Lilian Nyawanda outlining a vision for daily cargo flights and improved operational flexibility.
The resumption is anticipated to transform Eldoret into a regional cargo hub, with local governors advocating for infrastructure enhancements to support export market growth. Last year's plans disclosed by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for runway extension and facility upgrades at the airport underscore the strategic intent to elevate its cargo handling capacity.
Source: nation.africa