KCAA dismisses reports of near aircraft collision at JKIA

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has downplayed reports intimating that a Kenya Airways flight en route to Nairobi from London had a near collision with another aircraft as it landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on September 8.

News of the alleged near catastrophe was first made public on X, formerly Twitter, by user Moina Spooner, who was aboard the KQ flight, number KQ101, from London.

Spooner claimed that the aircraft's pilot told passengers on board the plane that he had to make the sudden manoeuvre since there was another airliner on the runway.

"Our plane was landing and close to touchdown (we could see the runway and buildings alongside it) it took off at a very sharp angle. After the plane was high enough and leveled out, the pilot informed us that he had to because there was another plane on the runway," said Spooner.

"This could have ended really badly - and clearly something went wrong. I am so grateful to the KQ pilot for his quick thinking, for keeping us safe and calm. I hope this situation gets fully investigated and addressed. We can't wait for a tragedy to happen before there's action."

Data from aircraft flight tracking firm Flight Radar would later corroborate Spooner's account of events by revealing that the KQ flight initiated the go-around at 5,375 feet, about 3800 feet before the runway threshold. 

Responding to the claims on Wednesday, KCAA labelled the go-around as a 'normal' procedure while further stating that the airport's body was conscious of the situation as it happened.

"The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) was alive to the situation involving Kenya Airways 8787 Dreamliner aircraft flight number KQA101 from London Heathrow on 8th September 2023 while approaching to land at JKIA," said KCAA in the statement signed by its Director General.

"The go-around by KQA101 was a normal procedure when the runway in use is not available for landing. At no time was the safety of the KQ aircraft and persons on board in jeopardy."