Govt Announces Major Update on Amboseli Airstrip Weeks After Shutdown

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an update on Amboseli Main Airstrip, which had been closed for nearly two months due to flooding from heavy rainfall.

In a statement dated Friday, May 8, 2026, KWS announced that the airstrip has officially reopened and is now fully operational.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is pleased to inform all visitors, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers and stakeholders operating within Amboseli National Park that the Amboseli Main Airstrip, which had been temporarily closed on Monday, 9th March 2026 due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, is now safe and fully operational,” read part of the statement.

KWS Announces Reopening of Amboseli Main Airstrip After Flood Closure

According to KWS, a joint technical assessment was conducted on May 7, 2026, following the earlier suspension of operations.

Also Read: KWS Issues Warning After Residents Kill Hyena and Flee With Meat

The inspection confirmed that the airstrip had sufficiently recovered from the flooding and was in good condition for safe aircraft operations.

Following the assessment, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) officially withdrew the closure notice (NOTAM) that had restricted operations at the facility, allowing normal flight operations to resume immediately.

KWS advised airlines, pilots and tour operators that they may now resume direct flights to and from Amboseli Main Airstrip without restriction.

The wildlife agency also thanked stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the temporary closure, adding that it remains committed to ensuring safety, efficient park access and the protection of visitors and aviation operations.

Amboseli Main Airstrip Temporarily Closed Due to Flooding

Earlier on March 9, the Kenya Wildlife Service announced the temporary closure of the main airstrip at Amboseli National Park as a safety measure following heavy rainfall and flooding in the area.

Also Read: KWS Issues Advisory to All National Park Visitors Amid Heavy Rain

At the time, KWS said the flooding had disrupted normal aircraft landings and departures, forcing the suspension of operations at the airstrip until conditions improved.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to notify all visitors, tour operators and airlines operating flights to Amboseli National Park that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area,” KWS said in the earlier notice.

About Amboseli Airstrip

Amboseli Airstrip is the main gateway to Amboseli National Park and is located near Ol Tukai Lodge and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge.

The airstrip mainly serves tourists travelling to Amboseli National Park and is a key entry point for both local and international visitors.

The airstrip has a gravel runway measuring about 1,180 to 1,200 metres and operates only during daylight hours. Airlines including Safarilink and AirKenya operate daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, reducing travel time to the park to about 45 to 60 minutes.

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Amboseli Main Airstrip. PHOTO/Amboseli National Park