Kenya Airports Authority: passenger plane veers off runway at Wilson Airport
By Valerian Khakayi, March 20, 2026The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed that a passenger plane veered off the runway at Wilson Airport this evening.
In an official statement issued on Friday, March 20, 2026, the KAA said the incident occurred at 2055HRS.
In addition, KAA stated that the incident caused a temporary disruption, but all 39 passengers and crew escaped unharmed.
“This evening at 2055HRS, an aircraft with thirty-nine (39) passengers on board arriving from Kisumu International Airport veered off the runway at Wilson Airport,” the KAA statement reads.
“We wish to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe, with no injuries reported. The aircraft remains on site, and recovery efforts are currently underway.”
KAA added that airport operations at Wilson remain normal and reiterated its commitment.
“Airport operations at Wilson Airport remain normal. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) remains fully committed to the highest standards of safety at all our airports,” KAA added.
Plane failed to land
This incident comes weeks after a Kenya Airways plane was forced to return to Nairobi after failing twice to land at Kigali International Airport due to low visibility.
In a statement on X, Kenya Airways on Sunday, February 15, 2026, confirmed that flight KQ470, operating from Nairobi to Kigali, encountered deteriorating weather during its approach, prompting the crew to turn back for the safety of passengers and staff.
“FLIGHT TURNED BACK TO NAIROBI DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY. Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) confirms that on 15 February 2026, at approximately 09:10 hrs (East African Time), KQ 470,” Kenya Airways said.
According to Kenya Airways, the flight departed Nairobi at approximately 9:10 am East African Time. During its approach to Kigali, the aircraft attempted to land twice but could not safely reach the runway because of poor visibility.
The airline said the decision to return to Nairobi was a standard safety precaution and emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Kenya Airways reported that KQ470 landed safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 10:39 am. Once weather conditions in Kigali improved, Kenya Airways cleared the flight to depart again at 12:07 pm, and it landed safely at 1:31 pm.
The airline described this air turnback as a routine safety procedure, highlighting its commitment to operational safety even when disruptions occur.