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Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has expressed optimism that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be cleared for nonstop flights between Nairobi and New York.
The CS said the final security audit of the Nairobi airport by American authorities, which began on Monday, will confirm that national carrier, Kenya Airways is ready to fly directly to the US.
"We are confident that this final audit will see direct flights. Previously, we had 180 issues flagged out but all have been adequately addressed," Macharia said.
Last year, JKIA was granted Category One status after a series of audits by the US air agency - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Macharia said the government had undertaken all security measures recommended by the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) months ago.
"The impact of the direct flight to the Gross Domestic Product will be substantial as Kenya will be a hub," Macharia said.
If cleared, JKIA will earn the Last Point of Departure (LDP) status, paving way for Kenya Airways to start direct flights to John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on October 28th.
During the last audit, TSA had recommended a tighter security system at JKIA, including a perimeter wall and consistency at the security screening yard.
The direct flight plan is expected to reduce by about seven hours, the travel time between New York and Nairobi and also boost tourism and trade ties between US and Kenya.