Homa Bay Airport
Homa Bay Airport (ICAO: HKHB), also known as Kabunde Airstrip, is an airport located 6 km (3.7 mi) from the town of Homa Bay in Homa Bay County, Kenya. It was modernised in 2015 and received its first commercial flights in January 2016.
Homa Bay Airport | |||||||||||
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||
| Operator | Kenya Airports Authority | ||||||||||
| Serves | Homa Bay | ||||||||||
| Location | Homa Bay, Homa Bay County, Kenya | ||||||||||
| Opened | 28 January 2016 | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 4,242 ft / 1,293 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 0°35′30″S 34°28′48″E | ||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||
  HKHB Location in Kenya | |||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||
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History
In May 2015, the Kenya Airports Authority started to upgrade the airstrip, one of three airstrips across Kenya to be modernised, the others being Migwena Airstrip and Kisii Airport.[1] The upgrade was carried out to improve air service in the area, as residents previously had to travel to the distant Kisumu International Airport; and to boost tourism and business in the region.[2][3][4]
The modernisation cost Sh200 million and was contracted to Glanack Investment Ltd Co.[1][2] The runway was extended to 1.2 km (0.75 mi) and an apron was constructed. In addition, fencing around the airport was reinforced; and the road between Homa Bay and Rongo, which is used to access the airport, was tarmacked.[2]
In late January 2016, the airport was cleared to receive commercial flights, and a final inspection was carried out on 27 January.[3] The first passenger flights landed at Homa Bay on 28 January 2016.[5]
Facilities
Homa Bay Airport includes an apron and runway 14/32, which in 2015 was extended from 790 m (2,600 ft)[6] to the present 1,200 m (3,900 ft) to accommodate for larger aircraft.
Airlines and destinations
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Fly-SAX | Nairobi–Jomo Kenyatta |
References
- Ochieng, Justus (30 April 2015). "KAA Sh200m Kabunde airstrip upgrade". The Star. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- Omoro, James (26 April 2015). "Airstrip set for Sh200m facelift to boost economy". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- Mutai, Michael. "HOMA BAY: Kabunde Airstrip Cleared To Receive Commercial Flights". Radio Jambo. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- "Kabunde, Kenya set to open to traffic next month". Ch-aviation. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- Koech, David (29 January 2016). "Homa Bay Residents Crowd Runway To Receive Raila at Newly Refurbished Airstrip". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- "Airports in Kenya". www.aircraft-charter-world.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.