KQ plane ordered back to Nairobi after concerns of leakage of hazardous material
The flight KQ484 was already in the air when the order was sent to turn around.
A Kenya Airways plane has reportedly been ordered back to Nairobi 25 minutes after take-off following concerns over leakage of hazardous biological material (Tuberclosis Bacilli) in the cargo hold, according to passengers.
According to initial reports, the flight KQ484 was already in the air when the order was sent to turn around and return to Nairobi immediately, with passengers being told there was a risk that Tuberculosis Bacilli bacteria may have leaked from the cargo hold during the previous flight.
Later on, Kenya Airways confirmed the incident through a statement saying the medical emergency had been dealt with.
"Kenya Airways confirms that on 27th April 2025, at around 13:40hrs local time, flight KQ484, operating from Nairobi (NBO) to Dar es Salaam (DAR), returned to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) shortly after departure due to a medical emergency," said KQ.
"The aircraft was received by medical personnel, and the necessary health and safety protocols were adhered to."
KQ also added that passengers were briefed and provided with guidance in line with health and safety regulations.
According to the national carrier, upon attending to the emergency, the flight was cleared for takeoff to Dar es Salaam at 15:54hrs.
"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests during this period," concluded the statement.