KQ flight destined for Dubai makes safe return to Nairobi after runway debris scare

A Kenya Airways (KQ) flight bound for Dubai from the JKIA on Friday diverted back to Nairobi following the discovery of tyre debris on the runway during a routine checkup by the airport's Air Traffic Control.

The  tyre debris was discovered at around 9:20 pm according to KQ.

"Upon further inspection, it was established by the KQ operations team that the tyre debris was from KQ 310, which had departed on a scheduled operation from Nairobi to Dubai," said KQ in a statement seen by Citizen Digital. 

"The KQ operations team contacted the crew and agreed on a precautionary air turn back to Nairobi for further technical attention."

Following safety protocols and coordinating with JKIA's operations control team, the plane safely returned to Nairobi without any issues, landing at around 11:46 pm.

According to KQ, to accommodate the affected passengers arrangements are being made to rebook them on the next available flight.

"Air turn backs are standard safety procedures in aviation. We sincerely apologize to our guests for the inconvenience and assure our customers that their safety and that of our crew is our highest priority," said KQ.