The airline started the flights two weeks ago, but the KCAA has suspended all flights to the area. [Photo/Courtesy]
Barely two weeks after Freedom Airlines launched its first return flight from Garissa to Nairobi, the Kenya Civil Airport Authority has suspended all commercial flights on that route.
In a copy sent to newsrooms which have also been sent to the airlines, the airline has been instructed to suspend all their flights to Garissa and Moyale Airstrips.
The airlines' manager Shallo Abubakar says that cracks on the runway were cited as the main reason for the drastic action.
The operations manager in Garissa is, however, reading malice into the suspension, of the flights saying that the situation is worse in Mandera.
“Garissa people were very welcoming. We received a letter from the Civil Aviation. They said the runway is poor and there is insecurity,” he said.
The airline has been operating on Mondays and Fridays, charging Sh5,000 per passenger.
This will be a big blow to the Garissa locals, who had expressed their joy in having the airline start operations in the area.
Area leaders as well had lauded the company for launching the flight, saying it will go a long way in helping area locals.