Skyward Express has launched its inaugural scheduled flight between Nairobi's Wilson Airport and Garissa.

The route opens new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment in North Eastern Kenya.

The airline will operate four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Departures from Wilson Airport are at 11am, arriving in Garissa at 11:50am. One-way fares start from Ksh 9,000.

The launch comes barely a month after Garissa Airport resumed full operations.

A Ksh 710 million modernisation project delivered the upgrades.

The project was jointly funded by the national government and the Garissa County Government.

The expanded runway and improved taxiways now accommodate larger aircraft. New VIP halls and modern checking areas have been constructed. A prayer facility and a larger aircraft apron have also been added.

“Connectivity is the heartbeat of a thriving tourism sector,” said Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife. “

Garissa holds a rich, unique cultural heritage from the serene Tana River environment to the vibrant Somali culture, local cuisine, and community experiences.

Improved air travel bridges the gap, opening the doors wide for domestic tourism, trade, and investment in North Eastern Kenya.”

Miano's remarks place the route expansion within Kenya's broader tourism ambition. The government is targeting 5.5 million international tourist arrivals by 2027-2028. It also aims for 7.5 million domestic bed-nights within the same period.

Tourism earnings are projected to reach Ksh 1.1 trillion.

Kenya recorded Ksh 452.2 billion in tourism earnings in 2024.

The country welcomed 2.4 million international visitors last year, a 15 per cent increase from 2023.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama attended the launch at Garissa Airport. He said the scheduled air services would improve accessibility to the county.

The flights will facilitate the movement of people and goods. They will contribute to the growth of tourism, trade and investment. They will also boost socio-economic activity across the region.

“When we said that let's expand the runway and the terminal as a joint initiative between the county and the national government, we knew that we were heading somewhere,” Jama said. “I am happy that today, those fruits are being realised.” The governor noted that the upgraded facility now features two VIP halls.

It also has a public waiting bay, a prayer area and modern passenger checking areas.

He added that the airport could attract greater business opportunities once the Kenya Airports Authority completes full equipment installation.

The new route adds to Garissa's recent momentum as an emerging destination. The county hosted the Fourth Devolution Sensitisation Week in July. The event attracted hundreds of participants from across the country.

They injected millions of shillings into the local economy through accommodation, transport and hospitality spending. Jama said the successful event demonstrated Garissa's capacity to organise large-scale national gatherings.

It also helped dispel long-held misconceptions about the region.

“Many people come to Garissa carrying perceptions formed from a distance,” Jama said. “But once they arrive, they discover a peaceful, welcoming and rapidly developing town with enormous investment opportunities.”

The county has also hosted the National Early Childhood Development Conference.

It has held the National Science Congress finals.

The ongoing National Music Festival finals are currently taking place in Garissa.

Jama announced that Garissa will formally bid to host the next Devolution Conference.

For residents and businesses, the flight service provides a faster alternative.

The nearly six-hour road journey between Nairobi and Garissa is now avoidable.

The route supports the movement of high-value goods.

It strengthens the county's integration with Kenya's wider economy.

The route becomes Skyward Express's thirteenth destination in its growing domestic network.

A booking office is already operational at Akhsa Mall near KCB Bank in Garissa.

Captain Mohamed Abdi is the Kenya Airports Authority Manager for Airport Operations at Wilson Airport and the Northern region.

He said the new service represented more than an additional flight.

“We are not only celebrating a new route, we are accelerating opportunity, connectivity and a shared vision for the development of the North Eastern region,” Abdi said.

Miano encouraged local entrepreneurs and tour operators to seize the opportunity. She urged them to package authentic cultural and eco-tourism experiences for travellers.

She called on them to make Garissa and the Northern circuit a must-visit destination.