The national carrier’s Chief Executive Officer-designate Mbuvi Ngunze clarified that the aircraft which was flying from Delhi, India with 38 passengers on board did not run out of fuel.
“Kenya Airways wishes to confirm that its flight KQ221 from New Delhi to Nairobi was diverted to Moi International Airport in Mombasa this (Monday) afternoon. The aircraft developed a mechanical fault in the fuel control system and although it had enough fuel, it needed to land at the nearest alternate airport,” Ngunze said in a statement.
He added that the plane was diverted to Mombasa as a precautionary measure as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport airspace was closed for Mashujaa Day celebrations at the time it was to land in Nairobi.
Moi International Airport Manager Yatich Kagungo had earlier told Capital FM News that the plane was set to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport but had to be diverted to Mombasa.
Speaking to Capital FM News on telephone, Kagungo said the KQ Boeing 737-700 plane landed safely at the Airport at “around 12.05pm.”
He confirmed that all the passengers on board were safe.
“We were alerted that the plane experienced low fuel gauge as it entered Kenyan airspace, we had to arrange for emergency landing in Mombasa as the nearest airport. It was very successful,” said Kagungo.
Kagungo commended the Mombasa County Government and Kenya Ports Authority for their quick response for the emergency and mobilising fire engines.
The plane later resumed its journey to the capital city.