(Old) El Wak Airport

The primary reason for closure was its replacement by the new, larger, and more secure El Wak Military Airbase (ICAO: HKEL), located approximately 6 km to the southwest. The old airstrip was a basic, unpaved dirt strip located very close to the town center, making it insecure and unsuitable for the increasing military and humanitarian operations in the region. The new base was constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to enhance security along the volatile Kenya-Somalia border and to support counter-terrorism operations. The new facility offered a paved runway, better security, and superior infrastructure, rendering the old airstrip obsolete.

The site of the former airport is now largely disused and in a state of disrepair. Satellite imagery shows the faint outline of the old dirt runway, but it is no longer maintained for aviation. The area is being encroached upon by informal settlements and local development from the expanding town. The strip is crossed by numerous tracks and is used as an open space by the local community. It is completely non-operational as an airfield.

Prior to its closure, the (Old) El Wak Airport was a critical lifeline for the remote border town of El Wak. It was a simple, unpaved airstrip that primarily handled light aircraft. Its main operations included:
1. **Humanitarian Aid:** It was extensively used by organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and other NGOs to deliver food, medical supplies, and personnel to the region, which frequently suffers from drought and insecurity.
2. **Government and Administrative Flights:** The airstrip facilitated travel for government officials, security personnel, and administrative staff from the national and county governments.
3. **Limited Commercial/Charter Flights:** It supported small-scale private charter flights for business, tourism, and transport of goods like miraa (khat).
For decades, it was the only viable alternative to the long and often dangerous road journey to the rest of Kenya, making it essential for emergency services and connectivity.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the (Old) El Wak Airport. All aviation needs for the region, including military, humanitarian, and civilian flights, are now fully served by the modern El Wak Military Airbase (HKEL). The new airport's superior facilities, paved runway, and enhanced security make the revival of the old, insecure airstrip unnecessary and impractical. Future investment in aviation infrastructure in El Wak will be focused on the new HKEL facility.