Kenya Airways has confirmed that its morning operations were affected after fog reduced visibility, disrupting approaches into Nairobi.
In a press statement dated May 5, 2026, the national carrier said the situation led to the diversion of two flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport and delays in regional flight schedules at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
“We confirm that earlier this morning two of our flights were diverted due to fog affecting visibility on approach to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) runway. KQ flights 739 from Lilongwe and 709 from Harare were temporarily diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport as a safety precaution” read the statement.
The airline noted that the disruption was weather-related and handled in line with established aviation safety procedures, with operations continuing under close monitoring by air traffic control.
Low Visibility Affects Flight Operations in the Morning
According to Kenya Airways, fog reduced visibility during early morning operations, affecting the approach phase of incoming regional flights.
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As part of safety requirements, strict visibility thresholds must be met before landing clearance is granted, ensuring that aircraft land only when conditions are safe.
The reduced visibility temporarily affected scheduling for select regional routes as flight movements were adjusted.
Two scheduled flights, KQ flight 739 from Lilongwe and 709 from Harare, were diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania as a safety precaution.
Despite the disruption, airport operations at JKIA were not suspended, and air traffic management continued to oversee arrivals and departures under the prevailing conditions.
Normal Flight Operation Resume after Stable Weather
Kenya Airways confirmed that operations returned to normal once visibility improved at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, allowing flights to proceed as scheduled.
The two diverted flights later landed safely at JKIA, and the airline is working to minimize disruption to flight schedules and support affected customers.
“Following improvement in weather conditions and visibility in Nairobi, both flights safely returned and landed at JKIA. The diversions have resulted in a few delays only affecting our regional routes. We are actively working to minimise disruption to our schedule and support affected guests through regular communication updates and alternative travel arrangements where applicable,” read part of the statement.
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Kenya Airways Plane Grounded in South Africa
The flights diversion follows earlier KQ’s statement confirming that one of its aircraft was grounded in South Africa following an operational incident that disrupted its scheduled service.
The airline confirmed a disruption to its Nairobi–Cape Town service after one of its aircraft experienced a bird strike upon arrival in Cape Town.
In a statement dated May 10, stated that the aircraft was operating from Nairobi (NBO) to Cape Town (CPT) when the incident occurred earlier in the day.
“We confirm that earlier today, one of our aircraft operating from Nairobi (NBO) to Cape Town (CPT) experienced a bird strike incident upon arrival into Cape Town,” the airline stated.
According to Kenya Airways, the aircraft landed safely at Cape Town International Airport at approximately 1:55 p.m. East African Time.
Following a technical assessment after landing, the aircraft was declared Aircraft on Ground (AOG) due to significant damage to the radome.
