Tanzania-bound KQ flight ordered back to JKIA over suspected hazardous leak

A passenger flight bound for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was dramatically recalled to Nairobi shortly after departure due to fears of a hazardous biological leak.

Kenya Airways flight KQ484, which had departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was en route to Julius Nyerere International Airport when authorities ordered it to turn back just 25 minutes into its journey.

According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 12.48 pm and was scheduled to arrive in Dar es Salaam at 2.00 pm.

However, while flying over the Chyulu Hills in Makueni County, it was redirected back to Nairobi.

The aircraft was met by medical personnel, and necessary protocols were followed. After the situation was resolved, the flight resumed its scheduled flight at 3.54 pm.

Kenya Airways confirmed the incident, attributing it to a "medical emergency," though it has not provided further details.

In a statement, the airline explained, "The aircraft, which was operating from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, returned to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at approximately 13:40 local time, shortly after departure, due to a medical emergency."

The national carrier added that upon returning, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and all necessary health and safety protocols were followed. "Passengers were briefed and provided with guidance in line with health and safety regulations," the statement continued.

The airline also confirmed that after addressing the emergency, the flight was cleared to resume its journey to Dar es Salaam at 15:45.

"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests during this period," Kenya Airways concluded in its statement.

Customer Update on KQ484 to Dar Es Salaam pic.twitter.com/aucJVNDLE5

— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) April 27, 2025

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