Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have resumed after being temporarily suspended on Thursday morning following a major security incident during the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga from India.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General Emile Arao said the suspension was a precautionary measure after large crowds of mourners gained access to restricted areas at the airport.
“Members of the public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued,” Arao stated earlier.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had also announced a temporary closure of the airspace over JKIA from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. to allow enhanced security screening operations.
KAA Managing Director Mohammud Gedi later confirmed that operations had resumed after security was restored.
“The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announces that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is now open to normal operations following the temporary closure earlier today,” said Gedi.
He advised passengers whose flights were affected during the closure to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information and travel arrangements.
The earlier disruption came after crowds of mourners gathered at the airport to receive Raila Odinga’s body, leading to a temporary security breach that prompted authorities to suspend airport activities for safety reasons.
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