The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has implemented new flight altitude regulations for aircraft approaching Wilson Airport, particularly over the Bomas of Kenya and State House areas.
New Altitude Requirements
- Aircraft approaching from the Bomas side must maintain a minimum altitude of 6,600 feet when passing the Monastery navigation point and not descend below 6,300 feet when crossing the Bomas International Convention Centre for Runway 07 landings.
- Planes approaching Runway 14 from the golf course side are required to cross 1.5 nautical miles from the final approach point at no less than 6,100 feet.
- Helicopter circuits for Runway 07 must fly left-hand patterns at 6,100 feet, turning left base no later than the Langata Cemetery landmark.
- Departing flights from Runway 25 face a new minimum climb slope of 6.7% to navigate rising terrain and tall buildings.
- Flights near State House must strictly follow published departure procedures and notify Wilson tower if unable to comply.
- Wilson Airport’s main runways will operate only during daylight hours under the new directive.
Background and Rationale
These changes, effective from July 28, 2026, come after two recent crash landings at Wilson Airport. On March 20, a Safarilink flight skidded off the runway amid heavy rain and possible pilot error, with all 39 passengers surviving. In May, a United Nations Humanitarian Air Service Dornier 228 also crash-landed near the runway, with no fatalities.
Investigations highlighted challenges including an ageing runway, unreliable power supply, and the impact of new buildings disrupting wind patterns critical for safe approaches. The KCAA has acknowledged these factors and indicated that relocating Wilson Airport remains under consideration.
Safety First
These new regulations aim to enhance flight safety by ensuring aircraft maintain safer altitudes over sensitive and built-up areas near the airport, minimizing risks associated with terrain and urban obstacles.
