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Kenya Airways confirms flight diversions after fog disrupts operations at JKIA
10th May, 2026 03:13 PM
Kenya Airways has issued a detailed customer update after two of its regional flights were temporarily diverted due to reduced visibility caused by fog at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the airline confirmed that the disruption occurred earlier in the morning when poor weather conditions affected aircraft approaches to the airport runway, forcing precautionary safety measures.
According to the statement, flight KQ 739 from Lilongwe and flight KQ 709 from Harare were both diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport as a safety precaution due to the low visibility conditions at JKIA.
“We confirm that earlier this morning two of our flights were diverted due to fog affecting visibility on approach to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway. KO flights 739 from Lilongwe and 709 from Harare were temporarily diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport as a safety precaution,” the statement read in part.
Kenya Airways said the decision to divert the flights was made in line with standard aviation safety procedures, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority at all times.
“Following improvement in weather conditions and visibility in Nairobi, both flights safely returned and landed at JKIA,” KQ added.
The airline further noted that following an improvement in weather conditions and restoration of adequate visibility in Nairobi, both flights were later able to safely resume their journey and land at JKIA.
Kenya Airways explained that the temporary disruption led to minor delays affecting several regional routes, although the overall network remained largely stable.
The national carrier added that its operational teams were actively working to minimise further disruptions and ensure normal flight schedules are restored as quickly as possible.
“The diversions have resulted in a few delays only affecting our regional routes. We are actively working to minimise disruption to our schedule and support affected guests through regular communication updates and alternative travel arrangements where applicable,” KQ wrote.
Passengers affected by the delays were assured of continuous communication updates, with the airline also indicating that alternative travel arrangements would be provided where necessary.
Kenya Airways similarly apologised to its customers for the inconvenience caused, appreciating their patience and understanding as operations were being normalised.
“We sincerely apologise to our guests for the inconvenience caused and appreciate their patience and understanding as we work to restore normal operations,” it shared.
The airline reiterated that safety remains its core priority, noting that all decisions taken during the disruption were guided by strict aviation safety standards.
“The safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority,” KQ added.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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