Garissa in eastern Kenya has officially reopened for full commercial operations after a year-long, KES710 million shilling (USD5.5 million) modernisation project jointly funded by the national government and Garissa county government, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reports.

The first commercial scheduled passenger services resumed on August 12, operated by Skyward Airlines 4x weekly from Nairobi Wilson with DHC-8-100 and DHC-8-Q200 equipment, according to ch-aviation research. The inaugural flight was conducted with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Q200 5Y-SKO (msn 452), according to videos posted online.

Skyward Airlines CEO Diana Nyambura told The Star newspaper that the new route is part of the airline's efforts to address connectivity gaps and support economic activity across the country.

According to airport operator Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the revamp of Garissa airport included the extension of the runway from 1,200 to 1,280 metres, the construction of two taxiways, VIP halls, check‑in areas, a prayer area, and a larger apron to accommodate more aircraft and improve efficiency. The upgrade is part of the KAA's broader programme to modernise regional aviation infrastructure across the country.