Heavy downpour witnessed in Kisumu on Friday, evening led to the cancellation of flights in and out of the Lakeside City.
Local reports indicate that planes had trouble landing at the Kisumu International Airport as a result of the strong winds and foggy weather. Pilots were hence forced to turn the planes back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
A video doing rounds on social media shows a flooded passenger lounge as a result of the heavy rainfall. The clip also shows passengers who were stranded after their flights were canceled.
This is Kisumu airport,raining in the lounge just unacceptable @KenyaAirports @AtGuru001 @RailaOdinga @UKenyatta pic.twitter.com/2NVGC0hhSd
— Big Meech (@aldyhasty) February 23, 2019
Some of those who were affected took to social media to criticize Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) since it’s barely three years since the airport underwent a major upgrade. Ksh 3.3 billion was set aside in February 2012 to extend runways, construct a taxiway and a new terminal.
Crazy weather at Kisumu airport pic.twitter.com/OsRF3lTXxI
— Richard Kiplagat (@rkiplagat) February 22, 2019
The terminal was not only revamped to international standards but it could now hold 600 people per hour.
As such, many people were surprised that the passenger lounge at the international airport still lets in water when it rains.
Here’s what people had to say about the situation with videos and images from the airport:
Kisumu Airport raining inside the Lounge @KenyaAirports pic.twitter.com/U6AQrEtWT7
— Alex Nyagah (@alenyagah) February 22, 2019
Ignorance is truly bliss. Kisumu airport is run by Kenya Airports Authority. Same as JKIA, Eldoret and Mombasa. How is Kisumu County concerned with this.
— Born Sinner (@onyuo) February 22, 2019