Jomo Kenyatta International Airport-JKIA’s runway has been closed after an aircraft incident.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 11, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said there are no injuries and removal of the plane is ongoing.
“An aircraft Incident has caused runway closure at JKIA. No injuries have been reported. Removal of the aircraft is underway,” KAA said.
KAA apologized for the disruptions resulting from the closures and pledged to provide regular updates on the incident.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will provide updates shortly,” read another part of the notice.
However, in a subsequent operations update, JKIA said the aircraft has been removed from runaway and normal operations have resumed.
“The disabled aircraft has been recovered from the runway, and normal airport operations have resumed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation,” KAA said.
Effects of Runway Closure
Closure of an airport’s runway normally leads to flights delay, rerouting or cancellation of planes depending on its severity and duration.
Besides, air traffic controllers are mandated to manage the situation and minimize disruptions during the period of closure.
Passengers at JKIA reported that the runway is blocked, and flights are being diverted.
“Current situation at JKIA looks like blocked runway…. flight diversions,” posted an X user named JK.
The user went ahead to share a diagram showing the routes the diverted planes are currently following after the closure.
Reacting to the post, a section of X users also questioned how JKIA, the major international airport in the country, still relies on one runway.
“An airport of JKIA status should have two runways,” said an X user named Son of General.
Others also called out Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen for allowing such incidents to occur, especially at a crucial facility like JKIA.
JKIA Leakages & Flooding
In recent months, JKIA has frequently been in the spotlight for a variety of negative reasons, drawing significant public and media attention.
In April, heavy rainfall currently experienced in Nairobi led to flooding of the airport’s Tower Avenue Underpass prompting KAA to issue alternative access points to the airport.
During the flooding incident, JKIA advised all motorists to use the main entrance to access and exit the airport.
“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) wishes to notify the public that the heavy rainfall experienced in Nairobi this evening has led to flooding at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s Tower Avenue Underpass,” KAA said.
They further warned of expected heavy traffic due to the changes at the airport’s access point.
Also Read: Tanzanian Delegation Camps at JKIA for Benchmarking
Murkomen Addresses Leakages, Blackout & Flooding
Persistent leakages and flooding incidents at JKIA compelled both the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to initiate construction projects aimed at addressing the issues.
Specifically, Murkomen said these efforts target the rectification of leakages at Terminals 1B and 1C.
In an update in May, Murkomen said the government is impressed by the commendable work done by KAA under the ministry’s directive and with an austere budget.
Also Read: Govt Clarifies Qatar Airways Near-Death Landing at JKIA
“I visited the airport to inspect the progress of ongoing works to build a roof above Terminal 1B and 1C which will solve the perennial leakages onto level 1 while creating more capacity at the facility for a new arrival terminal and lounges as we prepare to decommission Terminal 1E,” Murkomen said.
The CS stated that the ministry has successfully stabilized the electricity supply at JKIA and is now progressing towards the subsequent phase of enhancing the airport’s environmental sustainability through the installation of solar power systems.
Additionally, Murkomen conducted an inspection of the cargo area, which had been impacted by flooding from both Mombasa Road and the Expressway.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
