There was no near collision of KQ plane at JKIA – KCAA
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has refuted claims that a Kenya Airways (KQ) plane was almost involved in a plane crash at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last week.
According to KCAA, reports of a near-disaster incident involving a KQ flight number KQ101 from London, Heathrow on September 8 are misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 13, KCAA said the misinformation that has been circulating on social media was alarming and misleading.
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“In the last few days, alarming information has been circulating in the social media alleging that there was a near-disaster incident,” KCAA stated.
According to KCAA, the go-around by the plane was a normal procedure aimed at enhancing safety.
“The go-around by KQ101 was a normal procedure when the runway was unavailable for landing. At no time was the safety of the KQ aircraft and persons on board in jeopardy,” KCAA added.
The agency assured passengers safety during flights and operations at the airport.
“The authority endeavours to ensure the safety and security of the flying public, property, and operations remain paramount,” KCAA assured.
On Friday, a journalist, Moina Spooner, took to X and said that two planes nearly collided on the runway as one landed and the other took off.
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According to Spooner, she was in the KQ plane from London, saying that her plane was descending when it suddenly took off at an angle, causing fear and confusion among passengers.
“The plane on the runway was headed to Rwanda and was taking off as the descending plane was landing, with only 1000 meters separating them.” she posted.
Spooner recommended that a detailed inquiry should be carried out to prevent any similar occurrences in the future.
The incident sparked outrage among Kenyans who demanded an explanation from the airport and questioned the role of Flight Control in the situation.
Two weeks ago, JKIA came under scrutiny due to a massive power outage that lasted for over two hours.
Passengers were unfortunately stranded and had to wait in the dark due to one of the generators serving JKIA’s T1A and Parking Silo facilities malfunctioning amidst a nationwide power outage.
With such destructive events, travellers and industry figures are now concerned about the airport’s competence and whether things will improve.
“Following a nationwide power blackout, one of the generators serving JKIA’s T1A and Parking Silo failed to start, resulting in a power outage in a section of the airport,” KAA explained at the time.
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