Kenya Airways has denied allegations that one of its planes was forced to land at the Moi International Airport because of a technical hitch.
This however contradicts a statement that was issued earlier by the airline.
“We apologise for the inconvenience (caused) to our passengers on flight KQ 761. The safety of our guests is imperative so when the aircraft developed a technical hitch and had to turn back to Johannesburg. Once the problem was solved the flight departed and landed in Mombasa,” read part of the statement.
KQ later said that the plane was compelled to land in Mombasa to comply with the regulation of the International Air Travel Association on how long crew are supposed to fly and not a technical hitch as claimed.
“The flight had to land in Mombasa because the crew was approaching flight time limitation and needed to land so they can be relieved. It is all about safety,” said the airline.
According to Nation, one of the passengers who sought anonymity alleged that the plane had a technical problem forcing it to land at he airport before proceeding.
“The pilot announced just after we crossed the South African border that the next air station could not read us on their radar. So we had to turn back to the Oliver Tambo International Airport to have the problem fixed,” said the passenger.
The passengers added that the pilot told them that had opted to land in Mombasa since the plane had completed 15 hours in single plane, which is the stipulated maximum duration their plane should fly as per the regulations.