Lamu tourism stakeholders call for more flights to meet rising demand
By Farhiya Hussein |
The Lamu tourism sector anticipates strong gains, with several festivals scheduled from now until December 2024.
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Lamu tourism stakeholders are urging airline companies to increase flights and frequency to the archipelago, as the ongoing high tourist season proves fruitful.
Flight and hotel bookings in the county have surged, with the limited airlines servicing the Lamu route consistently fully booked, restricting further tourist influx.
Currently, only three airlines—Skyward, Jambojet, and Safarilink—operate flights to Lamu.
Industry players believe that introducing additional airlines on the Lamu route will enhance travel options and significantly boost the county’s trade and tourism sectors.
Lamu County’s Executive for Tourism, Trade, Culture, and Investment, Aisha Miraj, stated they have been in active discussions with airline companies to increase both the number of flights and their frequency.
"With only three airlines flying to Lamu, it’s challenging. This is why we’ve reached out to the relevant airlines to increase their flights and frequencies, especially as we approach the festive season. We are already seeing a substantial number of both domestic and international tourists flocking to our archipelago," said Miraj.
Lamu County’s Executive for Tourism, Trade, Culture, and Investment, Aisha Miraj. She insists on the need for more airlines to introduce trips to the Lamu destination. (Farhiya Hussein)
Maryam Ahmed, a frequent flyer, expressed hope that more flights to Lamu would lead to more affordable airfares.
"We have no choice but to travel at steep costs because there are so few airlines servicing Lamu. Imagine paying at least Sh5,000 just to fly from Malindi to Lamu, a journey that takes only 25 minutes. We need more airlines to provide travellers with alternatives," said Maryam.
Abubakar Shekuwe, a hotelier, called for the expansion of Manda Airport, stating that this would attract more airlines to the county.
Abubakar suspects that while more airlines are willing to introduce flights to Lamu, the limited capacity of Manda Airport and its runway may be deterring them.
Manda Airport in Lamu County. (Farhiya Hussein)
For the past four years, the government has been working on a Sh190 million renovation and expansion of the apron and taxiway at Lamu’s Manda Airport.
"I urge the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to consider expanding the airport and even allowing 24-hour operations to boost Lamu’s economy," said Abubakar.
The Lamu tourism sector anticipates strong gains, with several festivals scheduled from now until December 2024.
Among the highlights are the Lamu Maulid Festival and the grand Lamu Cultural Festival, set to take place from 28th to 30th November this year.
Over 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day event, which has long been a major draw for Lamu tourism.
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