KQ explains aircraft incident that caused JKIA runway closure
![KQ explains aircraft incident that caused JKIA runway closure KQ explains aircraft incident that caused JKIA runway closure](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/123304/conversions/kq-og_image.webp)
Kenya Airways planes are seen parked at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport near Nairobi, Kenya November 6, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo
Kenya Airways has revealed more details of
the aircraft incident that led to the closure of the runway at the Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for over an hour on Tuesday.
In a statement, KQ confirmed receiving
reports from Sharjah Airport authorities of a blown out tyre from one of its
aircraft, a Boeing 737 Freighter.
It said the control team operations informed
the pilots to divert the aircraft, that was scheduled to land in Juba, to
Nairobi.
Upon arrival in Nairobi at 12:55 pm, the
pilots did an overflight for the operations team to ascertain whether the plane
had adequate wheels to land.
“Our team ascertained that the aircraft had
adequate wheels for a safe landing as only one out of six wheels was damaged,”
the statement read in part.
While touching down at JKIA, one of the other
tyres of the plane is said to have failed, making it impossible for the aircraft
to proceed on the runway.
Following the incident, the Kenya Airports
Authority (KAA) released a statement, declaring the temporary closure of the runway.
An hour later, normal operations resumed at
the airport as the aircraft was towed from 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,” added the statement from KQ.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused
and reiterate the safety of our crew and customers is our number one priority.”
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