Panic at Nairobi JKIA Airport as Domestic Flight Veers Off Taxiway
Nairobi – Panic erupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday evening after a domestic flight carrying 50 passengers veered off the taxiway shortly after landing, sparking fears of a serious aviation incident.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed that the aircraft had safely landed from Mandera’s Elwak Airstrip before the incident occurred. According to the authority, the plane left the designated taxiway moments after touchdown.
“A domestic flight from Elwak Airstrip in Mandera to JKIA Nairobi with 50 passengers on board veered off Taxiway Echo shortly after landing at JKIA,” KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi said in a statement. “All passengers and crew were safely accounted for. Airport emergency response teams have been activated in line with established procedures.”
All 50 passengers aboard the flight escaped without injury, and airport emergency teams were immediately deployed to manage the situation. The authority reassured the public that airport operations continued as normal and that aviation officials were working to move the aircraft safely from the taxiway.
While the exact cause of the incident has not been disclosed, aviation experts note that planes can veer off taxiways for a variety of reasons, including adverse weather, mechanical issues, or human error. Taxiway incidents are generally less dangerous than runway mishaps because aircraft travel at much lower speeds while taxiing.
“Taxiways serve as the ground ‘driveways’ of airports, allowing aircraft to move safely between operational areas,” explained an aviation analyst. “They also act as a safety buffer, keeping moving planes separate from those taking off or landing, which reduces the risk of more serious accidents.”
The KAA has confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high safety standards at Kenya’s main international gateway.
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Panic at Nairobi JKIA Airport as Domestic Flight Veers Off Taxiway