Two Kenyan airlines are set to introduce flights to the new Isiolo International Airport in Isiolo County which is expected to be open this month.

The opening of the Ksh2.7bn airport is expected to improve air connectivity between Isiolo tourist circuit and the capital city, Nairobi.

It will make it easier for international tourists to travel to Isiolo for safaris as the circuit lies on the northern foot of Mount Kenya and is located 285km away from Nairobi.

Two local airlines, fly540 and Fly-SAX have set up offices at the new airport ahead of the launch of domestic flights.

Other carriers expected to inaugurate service on the Nairobi-Isiolo route include budget carrier, Jambojet, and Air Kenya.

The KAA informed players in the travel industry that the new airport has a 1.4km runway, nine check-in counters for both domestic and international flights and a VIP lounge.

Other amenities include restaurants, shops, front offices and forex bureaus.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is soon to commission the airport which is expected to boost tourism in Isiolo County.

Kenya plans to make Isiolo a resort city, and to achieve that the government built the international airport to offer services to local and international visitors.

According to the Vision 2030 blue print, Isiolo resort city which is a flagship project - will have five-star hotel facilities, national parks, golf courses, leisure parks, theatres and amusement parks.

Isiolo boasts wildlife hotspots such as the Shaba Game Reserve, Buffalo Springs Game Reserve and Bisnadi Game Reserve.

The reserves harbor rare species of wildlife such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk.

KAA Managing Director, Jonny Andersen, recently said: “Isiolo Airport will be able to handle international flights. But in the initial stages, the facility will start operation with domestic flights.”