By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 29 2025 - Passengers on a domestic flight arriving at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were left shaken but unharmed on Monday afternoon after their aircraft briefly veered off a taxiway shortly after landing.
In a statement issued on 29 December, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed that the aircraft, which had travelled from Elwak airstrip in Mandera County, moved off Taxiway Echo while taxiing at the country’s busiest airport. The flight was carrying 50 passengers, all of whom were safely accounted for alongside the crew.
For those on board, the incident marked an anxious end to an otherwise routine journey. However, airport officials say the situation was quickly brought under control, thanks to an immediate response from emergency teams already stationed at JKIA.
“Emergency response teams were activated in line with established procedures,” KAA said, adding that there were no injuries reported and no threat to passenger safety.
Crucially for travellers passing through JKIA during the busy holiday season, airport operations continued uninterrupted. Flights took off and landed as scheduled, with no major delays linked to the incident, despite the aircraft remaining temporarily off the taxiway.
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KAA noted that it is working closely with relevant aviation agencies to ensure the safe removal of the aircraft from the affected area. Investigations into the cause of the incident are also underway, although the authority did not provide details on what may have led to the aircraft veering off course.
Aviation experts note that such incidents, while uncommon, can occur due to a variety of factors, including adverse weather, mechanical challenges or human error. Standard safety protocols require that each case be thoroughly examined to prevent a recurrence.
In reassuring the public, KAA emphasised its continued focus on safety and efficiency across all airports under its management.
“The Authority reassures the public of its continued commitment to the safety, security and efficiency of airport operations,” the statement read.
JKIA serves as East Africa’s largest aviation hub, handling millions of passengers each year and acting as a vital link for both regional and international travel. With passenger numbers typically rising during the festive period, the incident has renewed attention on airport preparedness and emergency response systems.
