18 August 2026

Skyward Airlines Launches Nairobi–Garissa Route, Its 13th in 13 Years of Operations

Skyward Airlines has launched scheduled flights between Nairobi and Garissa, its 13th route, providing a new air link to North Eastern Kenya.

Officials cutting the ribbon at the launch of Skyward Airlines' Nairobi–Garissa route

Why this article matters
A four-times-weekly link between Nairobi and Garissa gives North Eastern Kenya a faster alternative to a long and often difficult road journey, at a time when the region depends heavily on air access for trade, humanitarian operations and devolved government business. The presence of Kenya’s State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the Garissa County Governor and a broad cross-section of industry bodies at the launch signals institutional backing for a route that connects a historically underserved part of the country.

The milestone also marks a notable growth point for Skyward Airlines itself: a 13th route in its 13th year of operations, alongside stated plans to carry cargo as well as passengers between Nairobi and Garissa County. For a domestic Kenyan carrier, steadily expanding into underserved regional markets while adding cargo capability is a pattern worth tracking as African carriers look to regional connectivity, rather than long-haul expansion, as a growth strategy.

Of Interest
- Skyward Airlines began scheduled flights between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Garissa on 12 August 2026, operating four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Flights depart Wilson Airport at 11:00 and arrive in Garissa at 11:50.
- The route is Skyward Airlines’ 13th, launched in the carrier’s 13th year of operations.
- The inaugural flight was welcomed at Garissa Airstrip with a water-cannon salute, following infrastructure upgrades to improve the airstrip’s operational readiness.
- Skyward Airlines plans to carry goods, produce and time-sensitive cargo between Nairobi and Garissa County in addition to passenger services.

Skyward Airlines has launched scheduled flights between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Garissa, opening a direct air link between the capital and North Eastern Kenya.

The service began operating on 12 August 2026, with four flights a week scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights depart Wilson Airport at 11:00 and arrive in Garissa at 11:50.

Garissa serves as a regional hub for trade, humanitarian operations and devolved government activity, alongside cross-border commerce with Somalia and the wider North Eastern Kenya region. The new route offers residents, business travellers, government officials and aid organisations an alternative to the lengthy road journey between Garissa and Nairobi.

The Garissa route is Skyward Airlines’ 13th, launched during the carrier’s 13th year of operations. The airline said the service forms part of its effort to connect Kenyan communities that have had limited access to air travel.

Infrastructure work was carried out at Garissa Airstrip ahead of the launch to improve its operational readiness. The Kenya Airports Authority confirmed the arrival of the inaugural Skyward Airlines flight, which was welcomed with a water-cannon salute.

Kenya’s State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority also confirmed the launch. Acting Director of Air Transport Samson Karau represented Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika at the inaugural event, which was attended by Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama Adam.

Officials holding flags beside the Skyward Airlines aircraft at the inaugural Garissa flight

Representatives of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, Kenya Association of Air Operators, African Airlines Association, Tourism Regulatory Authority and Kenya Tourism Federation also took part in the launch.

Alongside passenger services, Skyward Airlines plans to carry goods, produce and time-sensitive cargo between Nairobi and Garissa County.