In a promising leap forward for coastal connectivity, Diani Airport (formerly Ukunda Airstrip) is on the verge of completion in a transformative upgrade that positions the destination as a regional tourism powerhouse. With the upgrade already 90% complete, local authorities and tourism stakeholders are heralding this project as a pivotal turning point for the region’s economic and leisure prospects.
A Bigger, Better Gateway Takes Shape
The project encompasses a wider and modernized apron, enhanced drainage, and a brand-new taxiway that will soon link to an extended runway. This runway, lengthened by approximately 400 meters, is now capable of accommodating mid-sized aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR 72—far exceeding the limited capacity of the old airstrip. Thanks to these improvements, Diani Airport will support more frequent flights operated by domestic airlines including Jambojet, Safarilink, and Skyward Express, and regional carriers like Mombasa Air Safari.
Enhancing Access & Regional Links
This infrastructure upgrade dramatically improves accessibility to Kenya’s southern coastline, easing the long-standing challenge of isolating travel logistics. Industry voices, including the founder of HotelOnline, are optimistic that this airport will evolve into an international hub, attracting travelers from across East Africa and beyond. Prospective flight links could extend to Eldoret, Kisumu, Kitale, and even direct routes from the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or key regional capitals like Entebbe and Kigali.
Liberalising Skies for Fairer Access
Despite these strides, tourism leaders warn that infrastructure alone may not be enough. They advocate for liberalizing Kenya’s air access policies, which currently favor national carriers and limit competition—keeping airfares disproportionately high. They point to Zanzibar’s success under an open skies approach, significantly reducing flight costs and driving record tourist arrivals—suggesting a similar model could greatly benefit the Kenyan coast.
Complementary Upgrades: Malindi and Mombasa Airports
The Diani Airport project is part of a broader coastal vision. The Kenya National Tourism Strategy (2025–2030) highlights similar priorities: upgrading Malindi Airport to international status, improving Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and strengthening other regional airstrips.
Malindi Airport, serving northern coastal towns like Watamu and Malindi, already has a functional international terminal and customs facilities. Plans are underway to extend its runway to roughly 2,500 meters to support larger aircraft and elevate its status as a direct destination.
Moi International Airport in Mombasa, currently operational but aging, is in need of modernization. Stakeholders have proposed building a new, contemporary terminal—comparable to Zanzibar’s—and transforming the airport into a welcoming, globally competitive gateway.
A Holistic Vision for Responsible Coastal Tourism
Beyond airport infrastructure, a broader strategy is taking shape to ensure sustainable and inclusive tourism across Kenya’s coastline. The Kenya Coast Tourism & Cultural Heritage Blueprint 2030 outlines a focused roadmap—centering on infrastructure, community inclusion, cultural heritage, and responsible tourism practices across six counties: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta.
Complementing this vision, the Kenya National Tourism Strategy emphasizes improvements in public policy, service delivery standards, regulation of informal vendors, and strategic urban planning—all critical to positioning the coast as a high-value, culturally rich, and sustainable destination.
What This Means for Travelers and Local Economies
The airport upgrades promise to reduce travel times, lower airfare costs, and open Kenya’s beaches to a broader spectrum of visitors—from luxury vacationers to eco-conscious adventurers. For local communities, enhanced tourism inflows mean more jobs, increased business opportunities, and greater integration with regional and global markets.
As these projects advance and regional connections strengthen, Kenya’s coastline is poised to emerge as one of Africa’s premier coastal tourism hotspots—blending pristine beaches, cultural richness, and accessibility in a sustainable, inclusive experience.
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