Kenya Airways (KQ) has rescheduled all Kisumu-Nairobi flights following a bird attack on one of its flights Thursday evening as it attempted to land at Kisumu International Airport.
The Kisumu-bound plane made attempts to land at the lakeside city twice, circling between Kericho and Kisumu before finally landing on the third attempt.
A bird strike occurs when a flying bird collides with a moving aircraft.
“Kenya Airways (KQ) confirms that on 30 May 2024 at around 18:36hrs, KQ 670 had a bird strike while landing at Kisumu International Airport resulting in the aircraft being temporarily stuck on the runway,” KQ stated.
“The aircraft landed safely in Kisumu. However, it was not able to exit the runway fully as the bird strike affected the aircraft’s steering components. All passengers and crew onboard since disembarked the aircraft and are safe,” it added.
“We are working diligently with the relevant authorities to have the aircraft removed and resume normal operations. Passengers on affected flights will be provided with updated travel information and assistance as needed.”
The bird strike affected the engine of the plane, interfering with its steering system.
As a result, Kisumu International Airport runway was closed and all flights diverted back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Jambojet flight JMA8658 diverted back to Nairobi following the closure of the runway at Kisumu International Airport.
KQ and Jambojet announced that they would offer accommodation for their passengers in different hotels as they rescheduled the flights for Friday morning.
“Kenya Airways flying from Nairobi to Kisumu got a mishap on the Kisumu runway on landing. Runway closed,” said Eric Amunga via his X (Formerly Twitter) page.
“The plane is faulty and had a problem with the landing gear. The plane attempted to land thrice. I witnessed the three attempts as it wobbled and later burst into a cloud of dust during the third landing,” he added.
“I was on this flight. It actually had two aborted landings. Kenya Airways took several minutes airborne circling between Kisumu and Kericho. Landed on the third attempt. People prayed. We thanked God for safety, and the pilot for doing his Best,” said Silas Jakakimba
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