Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is set to undergo a final audit by the American security agencies starting Monday.
This audit will determine whether Kenya Airways will be granted authority to operate nonstop flights between Nairobi and New York.
The five-day audit is being carried out by officials from US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and will conclude on Friday. If cleared, JKIA will earn the Last Point of Departure (LDP) status, paving way for direct flights to the United States from the Kenyan capital.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) managing director Jonny Andersen, who was scheduled to appear before Parliament this week, requested to be excused until the US authorities complete the audit.
“This will allow us to prepare to host the US team that is coming to assess the entire airport. We will have staff available to help in the audit,” the KAA MD told Parliament’s Public Investment Committee as quoted by Business Daily.
During the last scrutiny, TSA had recommended a tighter security system at JKIA, including a perimeter fence and consistency at the security screening yard.
Once JKIA is granted the Last Point of Departure (LDP) status, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will allow Kenya Airways and other accredited airlines to fly directly to the US from Nairobi. Kenya Airways has set October 28th as the date for its maiden direct flight to New York.
KQ is already selling…
KQ is already selling tickets, which indicates that JKIA already has the LDP status. Seems like this is a regular security check, which is common to all international airports. Though everyone thinks this is a Kenyan initiative, It’s two countries with airlines that have common business interests. While KQ need time to start, Delta is ready with everything in place.