A Jambojet Q400 aircraft sustained significant damage after it rolled and crashed into flagpoles at the Restricted VIP state pavilion at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The incident, which reportedly occurred overnight on Monday, has raised concerns about possible lapses in safety protocols.
Preliminary investigations suggest the aircraft may have been parked without its chocks in place or brakes engaged, allowing it to move from its stationary position.
The exact circumstances remain unclear, but officials are examining whether negligence or equipment failure played a role.
“We are looking into all possibilities to determine what caused the aircraft to roll into a restricted area,” a source familiar with the investigation said.
The damaged aircraft has been grounded pending further inspections. While no injuries were reported as the plane was unoccupied at the time, the mishap has sparked questions about adherence to aviation safety standards at one of Africa’s busiest airports.
Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, Kenya Airport authorities have promised a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The mishap comes as JKIA gears up for the festive travel season, placing a renewed spotlight on operational safety at the airport.
