The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has verified that all individuals on board a domestic flight which departed the runway at Mandera Airstrip were successfully removed from the aircraft without any injuries.
According to an official statement released on Friday, the aircraft, conducting a regular domestic flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), went off the runway while attempting to land in the morning hours.
The flight was transporting 32 passengers along with four crew members when the incident occurred.
According to the authority, ‘The aircraft with 32 passengers and 4 crew members deviated from the runway during landing around 0910 hours local time and halted near the boundary fence of the airstrip.’
After the incident, emergency protocols were put into action immediately, with ground staff working to evacuate everyone on board.
The KAA reported that passengers and crew members were carefully guided out of the aircraft and received appropriate assistance on the ground.
The authority stated, ‘All passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated, and immediate assistance was provided. No injuries were reported among any of the individuals.’
Notwithstanding the incident, the KAA sought to assure the public of its dedication to maintaining aviation safety throughout all its locations nationwide.
The statement added, ‘The Authority reiterates its steadfast dedication to upholding the highest levels of safety, security, and operational performance across all its facilities.’
Earlier that morning, there was widespread concern when a commercial flight on the Nairobi-Mandera route left the runway and came to rest in nearby vegetation at the Mandera Airstrip.
Police at the location reported that the incident prompted an emergency response, resulting in the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members.
According to officials and witnesses, the aircraft lost control shortly after making contact with the runway at the Mandera County airstrip.
Emergency teams acted quickly to retrieve passengers from the aircraft and then secured the surrounding area.
There were no deaths or significant injuries reported.
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain whether a mechanical malfunction or unfavorable weather conditions led to the runway deviation, though no definitive cause has been officially confirmed at this time.
A team has examined the location and secured it while the investigation proceeds.