Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faced a momentary hitch on Monday afternoon after an aircraft veered off the taxiway, sparking a swift response from emergency teams.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has since issued a formal statement to calm public nerves, confirming that all passengers and crew on board the affected flight were evacuated safely without any injuries.

The Incident

The afternoon drama involved an aircraft that was taxing for takeoff when it exited the paved surface of the taxiway and became stuck in the surrounding soft ground. The sudden deviation triggered an immediate emergency “Code Red” at the region’s busiest hub, with fire engines and ambulances rushing to the scene as a standard safety precaution.

In their dispatch, KAA clarified that the incident was localized to the taxiway and did not occur on the main runway.

“KAA wishes to inform the public of an aircraft incident that occured this aternoon at JKIA. A domestic flight from Elwak airstrip in Mandera to JKIA Nairobi with 50 passengers on board veered off Taxiway Echo shortly after landing at JKIA,” reads part of the statement.

Minimal Disruptions

Unlike previous incidents where runway excursions have led to the total closure of the airport and the diversion of international flights to Mombasa or Entebbe, KAA noted that the main runway remained operational.

“Airport emergency response teams have been activated in line with established procedures. Airport operations remain normal.”

The cause of the incident remains unclear. However, the KAA, in conjunction with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Transport, has launched a formal probe.

This latest mishap comes at a time when JKIA’s infrastructure has been under intense scrutiny. From leaking roofs to power outages earlier in the year, the “Gateway to East Africa” has been a topic of heated parliamentary debate.