Kenya Airways (KQ) has clarified the reason that led to the closure of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway after an incident involving an aircraft.
KQ while confirming the incident in a statement on June 11, 2024, said that it occurred following a tyre debris on the runway, suspected to be from one of its aircraft.
The national courier detailed that one of the aircraft’s tyres failed while breaking and slowing down which made it immobilized on the runway.
“Kenya Airways confirms that on Tuesday, 11th June 2024, our operations control team received a report from the Sharjah Airport Authorities that there was tyre debris on the runway suspected to be from one of our aircraft, a Boeing 737 Freighter, on a routine operation from Sharjah to Juba,” read part of the statement.
KQ stated that upon receiving this report, its operations control team diverted the aircraft to Nairobi instead of proceeding to Juba.
“Upon arrival in Nairobi, the aircraft did an overflight, and our team ascertained that the aircraft had adequate wheels for a safe landing as only one out of six wheels was damaged.”
According to Kenya Airways, the aircraft touched down safely at around 12:55 p.m. local time.
KQ further said that in close collaboration with the airport authority and regulator KCAA, it diligently worked to replace the tyres and tow the aircraft to safety.
The aircraft was successfully towed from the runway at 2:12 p.m. according to Kenya Airways.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and reiterate the safety of our crew and customers is our number one priority,” added KQ.
