Kenya Airways has confirmed that it was one of its planes that got stuck on the runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday, 11th June 2024.
The plane got stuck on JKIA’s runway after it developed an issue. The issue which involved tyres was first spotted when the plane departed Sharjah Airport
“Our operations control team received a report from the Sharjah Airport Authorities that there was tyre debris on the runway suspected to be from one of our aircraft, a Boeing 737 Freighter, on a routine operation from Sharjah to Juba,” said Kenya Airways.
“Upon receiving this report, our operations control team diverted the aircraft to Nairobi instead of proceeding to Juba. Upon arrival in Nairobi, the aircraft did an overflight, and our team ascertained that the aircraft had adequate wheels for a safe landing as only one out of six wheels was damaged.”
According to a statement by the national carrier, the aircraft touched down safely at 12:55 p.m. Kenyan time.
JKIA’s single runway closed after KQ plane incident at airport
However, while braking and slowing down, one of the other tyres failed. This immobilized the aircraft on the Runway.
“Kenya Airways, in close collaboration with the airport authority and regulator KCAA, diligently worked to replace the tyres and tow the aircraft to safety. The aircraft was successfully towed from the runway at 2:12 p.m,” the carrier announced.
