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UPDATE: Diverted KQ flights from Mogadishu attributed to bad weather

Kenya Airways planes are seen as the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on August 1, 2020. (Photo: Monicah Mwangi/Reuters)

By Mwangi Maina | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

When The Eastleigh Voice reached out to the national carrier, an official without divulging more details said "They will issue a statement soon" regarding the matter.

Kenya Airways' recent cancellations and difficulties in landing at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport since May 30 have been attributed to bad weather.

On May 30, flight KQ 362 was scheduled to arrive at 1515 hours but was cancelled.

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On June 1, an analysis by The Eastleigh Voice showed a flight experienced an hour delay in Nairobi, then circled over Mogadishu for 35 minutes before returning to Nairobi without landing, despite other airlines landing.

Another flight scheduled for June 2 was cancelled, and on June 4, a flight was diverted to Nairobi after hovering over Mogadishu.

According to local sources in Mogadishu, the diversions were due to "bad weather".

"No, there is a technical issue, there is strong wind in Mogadishu, all other flights are landing but KA could not and this is not the first time," Ali Omar, the State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Eastleigh Voice.

Kenya Airways (KQ) in a statement confirmed that since May 24, 2024, due to adverse weather in Somalia, a few of their flights to Mogadishu have experienced stronger-than-usual tailwinds that have made it impossible to safely land the aircraft.

“As a safety precaution, our crew have opted to divert back to Nairobi, following strict safety protocols and always ensuring the comfort and safety of our customers,” read a statement issued on Tuesday evening.

“Our crew did not opt to use the alternative runway approach overflying the city until the Airport authorities in Mogadishu mitigated the security and safety concerns,” it added.

The airline noted that the airport authorities in Mogadishu have since addressed the issue, "and we will be able to land the aircraft safely.”

“We deeply understand and regret the inconvenience these circumstances beyond our control have caused our esteemed customers. We are proactively communicating with the impacted customers. We thank them for their patience and understanding and reiterate that their safety and that of our crew is our one priority,” read the statement