A Kenya Airways plane from London to Nairobi was forced to turn around following an emergency involving one of the passengers on Monday, October 9.
According to the Standard, Kenya Airways confirmed that the traveler suffered a medical emergency prompting the action.
Aviation Radar has also shared signals indicating the plane returning to London after takeoff.
The flight was already well way into its journey from London’s Heathrow Airport, to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), when it made a U-turn and returned to its point of departure, stated the national airline.
“Kenya Airways Plc confirms that on Monday, 9th October 2023, at around 13:56hrs KQ100 operating from London to Nairobi, had to turn back to London’s Heathrow Airport for a medical emergency after a passenger was taken ill,” Kenya Airways stated.
Additionally, Kenya Airways noted that the crew provided first aid to the passenger before advising the pilots to make a U-turn to London to allow the passenger to get further medical attention.
“The aircraft landed safely at 14:47hrs and was received by medical personnel. The passenger was taken to hospital to receive further medical attention,” it said.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our crew and customers is our number one priority.”
The incident came after Kenya Airways announced plans to increase flights to London.
The national carrier currently operates 10 flights per week on the Nairobi-London route but this will rise to double daily from 29 October.
Kenya Airways said it will deploy B787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, with the airline offering both morning and early evening departures from London to Nairobi.
“The additional weekly flights will cater to the increased market demand for this route and growing passenger demand,” added the carrier in a statement announcing the increase in frequency.
