NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Airways (KQ) has increased the number of flights to Kisumu over the weekend to cater for an expected surge in passenger traffic ahead of the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The national carrier said the move was in response to a sharp rise in bookings as thousands of mourners plan to travel to the lakeside city to pay their final respects to the veteran opposition leader.
“We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand,” Kenya Airways announced on X.
We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand.Friday, 17 Oct: Additional flights KQ656 (1330 HRS) & KQ658 (1900 HRS)Saturday, 18 Oct: Additional flight KQ650 (0650 HRS) , KQ654 (0805 HRS) upgraded to Boeing 737Sunday,
According to the airline, additional flights and aircraft upgrades have been scheduled from Friday through Monday to ensure smooth travel.
On Friday, KQ introduced two additional flights—KQ656 at 1:30 pm and KQ658 at 7:00 pm. On Saturday, flight KQ650 will depart at 6:50 am, while KQ654 at 8:05 am has been upgraded to a larger Boeing 737.
On Sunday, flights KQ654 (8:05 am) and KQ671 (7:00 pm) will also operate using Boeing 737 aircraft.
The airline will maintain the same aircraft type for KQ654 and KQ670 on Monday to accommodate returning passengers.
Kenya Airways said it aims to provide “seamless travel experiences” during the period, as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most influential political figures.
Raila, who passed away on Wednesday in India after suffering cardiac arrest, was accorded a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, following a directive by President William Ruto in honour of his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The body will be flown to Kisumu early Saturday for public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium before being taken to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday in a private family ceremony.
