KAA Breaks Silence After Plane Veers Off Runway at Mandera Airstrip

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed that an aircraft operating a domestic flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was involved in a runway excursion at Mandera Airstrip on Friday morning.

In a press statement issued on Friday, April 24, 2026, KAA said the incident occurred at approximately 9:10 a.m. when the aircraft veered off the runway while landing and came to a stop at the airstrip’s perimeter fence.

The plane was carrying 32 passengers and four crew members at the time of the incident.

“All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and appropriate ground support was immediately provided. There were no injuries reported,” the Authority said.

KAA noted that emergency response teams acted swiftly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of those on board.

A runway excursion refers to an incident where an aircraft departs from the runway surface during takeoff or landing, either by veering off the side or overshooting the runway.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, security, and operational excellence across all airports and airstrips under its management.

Investigations into the cause of the incident are expected as aviation authorities work to establish what led to the aircraft veering off the runway.

Earlier, an EBB Air Embraer plane flying from Mandera to Nairobi had gone past the runway at Mandera Airstrip.

The incident happened on Friday morning, April 24, 2026. The plane, registration number 5Y-EBB, was unable to stop in time and went off the runway into nearby bushes.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene as smoke was seen around parts of the aircraft.

Dramatic scenes followed as passengers rushed to evacuate, some seen jumping out of the aircraft.

All passengers and crew escaped unharmed, with the cause of the incident yet to be established.

EBB Air Aircraft Veers Off Runway at Mandera

However, witnesses claim the aircraft may have lost control after encountering a dog on the runway. Authorities have not yet confirmed this account.

Following the incident, Kenyans, including leaders, have expressed concern over aviation safety and infrastructure in the region.

Also Read: Plane Veers off Runaway at Wilson Airport With Passengers on Board

Abdihakim Keinan, an MCA aspirant for Eastleigh North in the upcoming 2027 general elections, said the incident highlights the need for improved airport facilities.

“This is very unfortunate. I am glad everyone is safe. Mandera needs a more advanced and better airport. It is alleged that the aeroplane lost control because there was a dog on the runway—are they even serious?” he said.

Another individual, identified as Faaaz, who claimed to have previously flown on the aircraft, criticised its condition in a social media post:

“That aircraft is quite old. The last time I flew on it, I found myself praying throughout the journey from Nairobi to Mandera.”

Emergency response teams remain on site, managing the situation.

Past Aircraft Accidents

The incident comes just over a month after a similar occurrence at Wilson Airport in Nairobi on March 20, 2026, involving a Safarilink aircraft (wet-leased to ALS Ltd) arriving from Kisumu.

Also Read: MP Johanna Ngeno Among 6 People Killed in Helicopter Crash

The plane veered off the runway at approximately 8:55 p.m., with 39 people on board, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

The senator later praised the pilot for averting a potentially more serious outcome by steering the aircraft off the runway.

Following that incident, Senator Osotsi raised concerns over safety at Wilson Airport, citing issues such as a flooded runway, faulty lighting, and delayed emergency response. He called for urgent upgrades to the facility.

In a separate incident, an aircraft tragedy involving Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others occurred on the evening of Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Chepkiep area of Mosop Constituency, Nandi County, resulting in six fatalities.

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EBB Air Craft crash in Mandera. PHOTO/Roderick