A second runway is to be built at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in an effort to transform the airport into a world-class facility.

The new runway, to be built at a cost of $351.8-million, is designed to ease pressure on the exiting runway and to nearly double aircraft movement from 25 an hour currently to 45 an hour.

JKIA, which has emerged as East Africa’s regional aviation hub, has, since it started operating more than four decades ago, depended on a single runway. The airport is prone to crises whenever there is an aeroplane mishap on the runway.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is negotiating with the African Development Bank for funding for the project and expects to start construction in June next year.

The KAA is also seeking consultants to review the project, supervise construction and act as the contract administrator.

The consultant will also be expected to ensure that the project is implemented within the contract price and stipulated timeframe.

According to the proposed design, the new runway is a Category 2 runway that conforms to international standards and will be 4.8 km long and 75 m wide. The current runway is 4.2 km long and 60 m wide.

The technology of the new runway will meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Category 2 specifications, which will enable operation in bad weather, thus avoiding the diversion of aircraft.

The new facility will be able to handle new-generation, extra-wide-bodied aircraft, such as Airbus A380s and Boeing B747800s, making JKIA an attractive airport for airlines willing to fly into East Africa.

JKIA was constructed in 1978 to serve about 2.5-million passengers a year, but currently handles up to 7.5-million passengers a year.

The volume of cargo handled has also increased significantly over the years – to over 20-million tons last year.