Kenya Airways has confirmed that one of its scheduled flights returned to Nairobi after two unsuccessful landing attempts in Kigali due to poor weather conditions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 15, the national carrier said flight KQ470 had departed Nairobi for Kigali earlier that morning but encountered low visibility during its approach.
Poor Weather Forces Air Turnback
According to Kenya Airways, the aircraft experienced deteriorating weather conditions while preparing to land at Kigali International Airport.
“Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) confirms that on 15 February 2026, at approximately 09:10 hrs (East African Time), KQ 470, on a scheduled operation from Nairobi to Kigali, encountered low visibility and deteriorating weather during the normal approach to land at Kigali International Airport,” the airline said.
After two unsuccessful landing attempts, the flight crew opted to return to Nairobi as a precautionary safety measure.
Safe Landing and Rescheduled Departure
The aircraft landed safely back at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 10:39 a.m. (EAT).
Once weather conditions improved in Kigali, the flight was cleared for departure again at 12:07 p.m. (EAT) and later landed safely in Kigali at 1:31 p.m. (EAT).
Kenya Airways emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority in all operations.
Impact on Other Flights
The airline further confirmed that the air turnback resulted in a delay for another scheduled flight, although normal operations resumed once conditions stabilized.
The incident highlights the impact of adverse weather on regional aviation schedules and the strict safety protocols airlines follow during landing procedures.
