Kisumu: Tense Moment As KQ Plane Stalls On Runway After Bird Strike Occurrence

• All the passengers on flight KQ 670 safely arrived at their destination despite a hiccup moments before touchdown at the Kisumu International Airport
• The KQ plane coming from Nairobi failed in its attempts to land at the airport, causing it to remain airborne for a while
• In a statement, the national carrier revealed the plane was later hit by a bird strike, which interfered with its control components

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

There was a scare inside a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Kisumu after the aircraft seemed to have difficulty landing at the airport on the evening of Thursday, May 30.

According to sources, the Boeing 737-8HX on the KQ670 flight failed twice in its attempts to touch down, causing tension among the passengers onboard.

KQ's plane aborted landing in Kisumu

The aircraft remained airborne for a time before successfully landing on its third attempt.

The touchdown was, however, hampered by a bird strike, which the national carrier said damaged the aircraft's control components.

All the passengers safely disembarked from the plane, which stalled on the runway.

They were heard clapping in joy, perhaps after being consumed in intrusive thoughts.

Kenya Airways stayed clear of the landing attempts that were aborted, only speaking to the bird strike incident.

"Kenya Airways (KQ) confirms that on 30 May 2024 at around 18:36hrs, KQ 670 had a bird strike while landing at Kisumu International Airport resulting in the aircraft being temporarily stuck on the runway. The aircraft landed safely in Kisumu," said KQ.

"We are working diligently with the relevant authorities to have the aircraft removed and resume normal operations. Passengers on affected flights will be provided with updated travel information and assistance as needed," added KQ.

KQ UK flight intercepted

Elsewhere, in another scary incident involving a KQ plane in 2023, passengers on a Heathrow-bound flight were scared after their plane was diverted to another destination in Stansted over a supposed security threat.

KQ's corporate communication said the headquarters in Nairobi received an alert as regards the foregoing threat on board KQ100.

The plane in question was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

With the help of the UK and Kenyan governments, KQ carried out a thorough risk assessment of the situation before advising the crew on board the particular flight.

With all the safety and security precautions undertaken to the benefit of those on board, the aircraft was directed to Stansted Airport, London, where it safely landed, and cleared by the relevant security personnel.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.