The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced a temporary closure of the airspace over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) today, October 16, 2025.

In a statement, KAA said the closure will be in effect from 10:26 AM to 12:26 PM.

“This essential measure is to facilitate an enhanced security rescreening operation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya,” KAA said.

KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao expressed regret over the disruption and appealed for calm among travelers and the public.

“KCAA regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation,” he said.

The Authority clarified that the temporary closure was occasioned by a violation of the restricted area.

“Members of the public and travellers 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,”KCAA stated.

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The agency also reported that it had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to warn the airlines and other stakeholders of the short-term suspension, promising that normal services would resume once the airport is declared safe.

High attendance of mourners and the increased emotions created congestion around the restricted areas, and the security agencies acted hastily to contain the situation and ensure people in the area were not at risk.

KCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the highest safety and security standards in all aviation operations, assuring the public that normal flight activities would resume shortly once the situation was fully contained and the airport cleared for regular use.

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Kenya Airways Plane at the JKIA
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