KAA issues safety update after Kenya Airways bird strike incident

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed that all passengers on board a Kenya Airways plane that encountered an incident on Thursday, May 30, 2024, have been safely evacuated.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 31, 2024, KAA pointed out that a Kenya Airways plane suffered a bird strike after landing at the Kisumu International Airport forcing the plane to be stuck on the runway.

Following the incident, KAA assured the country and other stakeholders that the passengers were evacuated without any injuries after a swift response from its team at the airport.

“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirms that earlier this evening, a Kenya Airways (KQ) aircraft encountered an incident after landing at Kisumu International Airport, resulting in the aircraft being immobilized at the end of the runway, on the turning loop,” part of the statement read.

“We are relieved to report that all passengers and crew members onboard were safely evacuated without any injuries. Our ground emergency teams responded swiftly and efficiently to manage the situation,” KAA added.

Runway cleared

Moreover, KAA added that the runway which was blocked by the plane has been cleared paving the way for other aircraft to touch down at the Kisumu International Airport.

“Safe operational distances on the runway have now been declared, and a Notice To All Airmen (NoTAM) will be published by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to facilitate the resumption of normal operations at the airport.

“At KAA, the safety and security of all passengers and airport users remain our utmost priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this incident and express our gratitude for the patience and understanding of everyone affected,” KAA asserted.

Kenya Airways statement

Kenya Airways had earlier confirmed the incident where the national carrier noted that the plane safely landed in Kisumu at around 6:36 pm but it was hit by a bird strike resulting in the aircraft being temporarily stuck on the runway.

Kenya Airways explained that the strike affected the steering components forcing it to be stuck on the runway.

“The aircraft landed safely in Kisumu, however, it was not able to exit the runway fully as the bird strike affected the aircraft steering components. All passengers and crew onboard since disembarked the aircraft and are safe,” Kenya Airways noted.

Due to the incident, Kenya Airways promised to provide a travelling update on affected flights.

“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.”

Position Statement: KQ 670 immobilised at Kisumu Airport due to bird strike pic.twitter.com/cXGvCG2jWe

— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) May 30, 2024