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KQ flight heading to JKIA diverted back to Mombasa due to bad weather

A Kenya Airways plane. (Photo: Nicolas Economou/ NurPhoto/ AFP)

By Farhiya Hussein | 28 Apr 2024

KQ said they had diverted a number of flights due to the heavy rains and poor visibility in Nairobi.

A Kenya Airways flight scheduled to land in Nairobi from Mombasa was forced to turn back to Mombasa abruptly, cancelling its landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The incident which happened on Saturday night left passengers confused with many noting the cause as to be bad weather.

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“Due to the heavy rains and poor visibility in Nairobi we have diverted a number of our flights and as a result may have extended delays for some of our departures out of Nairobi. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers,” Kenya Airways said in a statement.

Passengers who flew on the plane posted updates on X formerly Twitter.

“Close call, wet pants as KenyaAirways flight number KQ613 from Mombasa to Nairobi aborts landing at the last minute. The flight rerouted back to Mombasa. EAC minister Malonza on board with us,” Bernard Mwinzi, one of the passengers wrote.

He noted the occurrence to have been caused by poor visibility.

“Poor visibility, according to the announcement from the cockpit. Now refueling in Msa. Scheduled to take off again for Nairobi a few minutes to midnight.”

“Kenya Airways flight number KQ613, diverted back to Mombasa after aborted landing in Nairobi on poor visibility, lands safely in the capital, ending a four-hour-30-minute odyssey for weary passengers,” Mwinzi wrote.

The flight left Mombasa a few minutes past midnight.

Following the incident, customers have been advised to use the provided call lines +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp: +254 705 474 747 or Email customer.relations@kenya-airways.com.

“The safety and wellbeing of our crew and Customers is our number one priority. Customers are advised to get in touch via Corporate Communications,” the airline said.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) informed the public that heavy rainfall in Nairobi caused flooding at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's Tower Avenue Underpass.

To address this, KAA noted its security teams and the police have secured the affected area to ensure the safety of airport users and staff.

“Normal flight operations at the airport are still ongoing, and access to all terminals remains available. However, due to the situation, traffic is expected to be heavier than usual," KAA said in a statement.

"We advise all vehicles to use the main entrance to access and exit the airport until further notice. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we diligently manage this situation.”