Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have resumed after a temporary closure earlier today during the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed that normal activities are now back to normal following the brief disruption that affected both domestic and international flights.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 16, 2025, KAA said, “Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is now open to normal operations following the temporary closure earlier today.”

The authority advised passengers with flights scheduled during the closure to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information and arrangements.

KAA also expressed its appreciation to travellers, airlines, and the general public for their patience and cooperation during the short disruption. “We remain committed to maintaining safe, secure, and efficient airport operations at JKIA,” the statement read.

Massive crowd at JKIA

Earlier in the day, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) temporarily suspended operations at JKIA after a major security breach during the arrival of Raila Odinga’s remains.

In a statement, KCAA confirmed that an overwhelming crowd of mourners gained access to restricted areas of the airport as they tried to pay their last respects to the late opposition leader.

The sudden surge of people created serious security and safety concerns for passengers, staff, and the general public. Aviation and security agencies immediately initiated a lockdown of the facility to restore order and ensure safety within the premises.

According to officials, the shutdown was necessary to prevent further breaches and to allow authorities to manage the situation safely. Normal operations were halted for several hours as security teams cleared the affected areas and coordinated with KAA to verify that all systems were secure before reopening.

By late afternoon, flight operations had resumed, and airlines began reorganising their schedules to accommodate passengers affected by the temporary closure. Security remained tight, with officers stationed around key points at the airport to ensure smooth and safe operations. 

The incident shows the significance of Raila Odinga’s return and the emotional response it drew from Kenyans. By Paulette Mboga, K24