Heavy overnight rains that lashed Nairobi and surrounding areas disrupted flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), forcing Kenya Airways to issue an urgent customer advisory.

In a statement posted on X by Kenya Airways on March 7, 2026, the airline confirmed that intense downpours affected scheduled flights, with some diverted to Mombasa. The disruptions extended into Saturday’s timetable, prompting passengers to prepare for possible schedule changes.

“The heavy overnight downpour in parts of Nairobi and its environs caused disruption to some of our scheduled flights. Due to the adverse weather conditions, some of our flights were also diverted to Mombasa. These disruptions have also affected some of our scheduled flights for today,” the airline said.

Passengers urged to stay updated

Kenya Airways advised travelers departing from JKIA to monitor flight status closely and update contact information via the Manage Booking portal. Assistance is available through the Customer Excellence Team at +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp +254 705 474 747, or via X at @KQSupport.

“Our teams are working hard to get everything back to normal as soon as possible,” the airline added, projecting a return to regular operations later in the evening. The carrier apologised for the inconvenience, noting that the situation was beyond its control.

Heavy rains cause broader disruption

The downpours coincide with the start of the March–April–May long rains season, during which the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of precipitation exceeding 20 mm in 24 hours in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.

Flooded roads and urban drainage failures have turned streets into rivers, stranding commuters and submerging vehicles.

The Kenya Red Cross issued safety guidelines, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground during flooding. “Even 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, while one foot can sweep away a vehicle,” the organisation said. Residents were advised to avoid flooded bridges and streams, switch off electricity in submerged homes, and test water depth with sticks in murky areas.

The rainfall has already displaced hundreds of households nationwide and claimed lives in some regions. Kenya Airways’ advisory highlights the ongoing impact of the rains on both air and ground transport, stressing passenger safety and communication as conditions evolve. Travelers are urged to check official channels for updates.