• One of Kenya Airways plane left the JKIA at 10.15 am after being flagged off by the Transport CS James Macharia.
• Another KQ light also left JKIA to Kisumu International Airport.
Image: REUTERS
Kenya has resumed its domestic flights with the first flight leaving for Mombasa's Moi international airport on Wednesday morning.
The Kenya Airways plane left the JKIA at 10.15 am after being flagged off by the Transport CS James Macharia.
Another KQ light also left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kisumu International Airport.
When they arrive at the airports, there will be welcomed by water cannon salute .
Speaking during the launch, Macharia said Kenya now looks forward to the international flights.
"...but let us make sure that these local flights are the benchmark of success. If we do not do it correctly, the opportunity to fly internationally may be reversed,” he said.
Earlier, passengers were seen queuing for screening even as they kept the one metre distance.
As a way to ensure that passengers adhered to the guidelines, the airline put water and soap at designated areas to allow passengers wash their hands before the screening process begins.
The floors at the airport are also marked with social distancing stickers to emphasize on the need of observing distance and stickers reminding you to wear a mask at all times.
After 99 days, our first commercial passenger flight has started boarding! Mombasa here we come #TheMagicAwaits #KQClearForTakeOff pic.twitter.com/aKOH1Oof7t
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) July 15, 2020
However, the airline capacity will not be reduced to factor in social distancing rules when both domestic and international flights resume.
Macharia said if airlines carry less than 75 per cent of the passengers they will go at a loss.
"...but these passengers must go with Covid-19 free certificate. I would expect that if you are flying out, it would be prudent for you to be tested because you may not be allowed into other countries," he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that domestic flights will resume on July 15 while international flights will resume on August 1.
This will be in strict conformity with all applicable guidelines and protocols from both the Ministry of Health and civil aviation authorities.
Uhuru noted that additional requirements applicable at the ports of departure, arrival or transit must be adhered to.
In March, the government suspended all international flights in and out of the country.