Thursday February 24: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway was cleared and services resumed.
Flights had been diverted to other airports on Wednesday, February 23, after a plane developed mechanical problems while on the runway.
"Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway has been cleared and opened. Normal operations have resumed. Passengers are encouraged to contact their respective airlines for their flight status.," read an update from KAA.
Multiple flights landing at the busy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were on Wednesday evening, February 23, diverted to Mombasa International Airport following a plane's malfunction on the runway.
A source on the ground confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the plane broke down while taking off from the JKIA runway - completely closing it off.
The incident occurred a few minutes to 6:00 p.m but the heavy traffic forced the operators to divert some of the planes to other airports.
Some of the travellers revealed that they were stranded in Malindi and Moi Airports after they were informed that their flights, destined for JKIA, would not take off.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) communications office told Kenyans.co.ke that they were still collecting more information before releasing a public statement.
As of the time of publishing six flights had already been diverted including one international plane attached to Malawi Airlines and five other local flights. They were all diverted to Mombasa.
Crews at the busy international airport are working to remove the aircraft to a safe area.
Gilbert Kibe, the Director General Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), told the press that the plane developed a mechanical problem with its nose gear.
“We have suspended the runway’s use as our technicians work to remedy the situation. As it is, all departures have been affected.
“We are hoping to resolve the issue and reopen the runway in the shortest time possible," Kibe told Nation.
He, however, clarified that the closure of the runway was temporary and urged the customers to check with their airlines for update.
"This is to confirm that the runway at JKIA is temporarily closed as crews respond to safely remove a disabled aircraft. Takeoffs and landings are on hold. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airline for flight status updates," read a statement by KAA in part.
