US Warns Airlines of Possible Attack on Planes in Kenyan Airspace

United States authorities have warned American airlines of possible attacks on their aircraft by extremists within the Kenyan airspace.

In an updated advisory dated Wednesday, February 26th, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged all US–registered airliners to be cautious while overflying the Kenyan airspace.

“Those persons are advised to exercise caution when flying into, out of, within, or over the territory and airspace of Kenya East of 40 degrees East longitude at altitudes below fl260 due to the possibility of extremist/militant activity,” the FAA noted.

FAA further advised airlines to report any security-related incidents they may come across within the Kenyan airspace and also share their travel schedule with the agency at least 72 hours before flying to Kenya.

The agency said it will review the alert by February 26th, 2021. FAA had issued a similar warning in February last year.

FAA, which regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the US, gives regular travel warnings in consultation with the State Department for the security of American citizens.

Somalia-based militia group al-Shabaab conducts regular attacks on Kenya, especially along the vast and perilous border with Somalia.