KAA Confirms Safe Landing After Aircraft Strays From Taxiway at JKIA

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed that all passengers and crew members were unharmed following an aircraft incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday afternoon.

According to KAA, the domestic flight had just landed from Elwak airstrip in Mandera County when the aircraft veered off Taxiway Echo while taxiing shortly after touchdown. At the time of the incident, the plane was carrying 50 passengers.

In a statement issued on December 29, the authority said airport emergency teams were immediately deployed in line with established aviation safety procedures to manage the situation.

KAA noted that the response was swift and effective, with the incident quickly brought under control. No injuries were reported, and all passengers and crew were safely accounted for.

The authority further assured the public that normal airport operations were not affected despite the temporary obstruction caused by the aircraft leaving the taxiway. Flights continued as scheduled at the country’s busiest airport.

KAA stated that it is working closely with relevant aviation and safety agencies to facilitate the safe removal of the aircraft from the affected area as investigations into the cause of the incident continue.

Although the authority did not disclose what caused the aircraft to veer off the taxiway, aviation experts note that such incidents can result from factors such as weather conditions, technical challenges, or human error. These occurrences are usually subjected to standard aviation safety investigations.

Reiterating its commitment to safety, KAA emphasized that it remains dedicated to upholding high operational and safety standards across all airports under its management.

JKIA serves as East Africa’s largest aviation hub, handling millions of passengers every year. The incident comes at a time when passenger traffic is rising due to the ongoing holiday travel season.

Authorities are expected to issue further updates once investigations progress and the aircraft is fully cleared from the area.