The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Monday, April 17, confirmed that it had temporarily closed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway due to an aborted takeoff by a cargo plane.
In a statement, KAA affirmed that the cargo plane developed technical issues on Monday morning affecting all operations.
As a result, all incoming and outgoing flights were temporarily suspended.
"Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible," the statement read in part.
The Authority, as a result, advised all passengers to contact their respective airlines regarding the status of their flights.
"We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We advise all passengers to contact their respective airlines for further information on the status of their flights," KAA stated.
According to a spot check by Kenyans.co.ke on FlightRadar24, the cargo plane was scheduled to depart Nairobi at 1:30 am and expected to arrive at Amsterdam on Monday morning, April 17, at 9:40 am.
The plane stalled at the end of the runway. This, in turn, led to flight delays for all incoming and outgoing flights.
This came in the backdrop of Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen announcement on government plans to construct a new terminal and runway at the airport.
The CS pointed out how the JKIA needed a new upgrade to combat inefficiencies and the breakdown of systems.
"Being a key port of entry for Kenya, it is critical that we work on a Public-Private Partnership model that will facilitate the expansion of JKIA to include a new terminal and a new runway to double the airport's capacity and move the list of the best airports in the world," Murkomen stated on Thursday, April 13.
The CS affirmed that the upgrade would subsequently enhance trade and tourism between Kenya and other nations.
"With the terminal comes the increased capacity to handle more planes and passengers hundreds of jobs for Kenyans, a boost in tourism, increased trade and investment and enhance regional integration," he added. By Brian Kimani, Kenyans.co.ke