JKIA operations return to normal following disruption, KAA confirms
By David Nthua, June 11, 2026The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed that services and operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been restored to normal after an emergency reported earlier on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
In a statement posted on X, KAA refuted reports circulating online that a plane had crashed at JKIA, clarifying that the incident was a planned emergency drill at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Operations back to normal
“UPDATE: The emergency earlier reported at JKIA was a simulated scenario conducted as part of a planned Full-Scale Emergency Exercise.
“The drill has been successfully concluded. Normal airport operations continue. We thank all stakeholders for their cooperation,” KAA said.
Initial emergency alert
Earlier, KAA had announced: “NOTICE: KAA is currently responding to an emergency situation at JKIA.
Emergency response teams and agencies have been activated and are managing the situation in accordance with established emergency procedures. Further updates as more information becomes available.”
The initial statement triggered widespread speculation on social media, with some users claiming that an aircraft had been involved in an accident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
However, KAA later clarified that the operation was part of a planned Full-Scale Emergency Exercise designed to test the preparedness and coordination of emergency responders and airport stakeholders.
Emergency drill explained
The emergency drill at JKIA involved multiple agencies operating within and around Kenya’s busiest airport.
Such exercises are routinely conducted to assess emergency response capabilities and ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards.
Photos and videos shared online showed emergency vehicles, fire engines and security personnel deployed across sections of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as part of the exercise.
KAA said the emergency drill at JKIA was successfully completed and did not disrupt normal airport operations.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remains fully operational, with passenger services, cargo handling and flight operations continuing as scheduled.
Among the agencies that routinely participate in emergency preparedness exercises at JKIA are the Kenya Airports Authority, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), aviation security teams, airport fire and rescue services, medical personnel and other government agencies operating at the airport.
JKIA is Kenya’s largest and busiest airport and serves as the country’s primary international gateway, handling millions of passengers and significant cargo volumes annually.
KAA thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation during the emergency drill at JKIA and assured travellers that normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport continue uninterrupted.