Kenya Airways flights disrupted after bird strike incident in Abidjan
By Faith Lagat, May 14, 2026Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced service disruptions on its Abidjan-Dakar-Abidjan-Nairobi route following a bird strike incident involving one of its aircraft upon landing in Abidjan earlier today.
In an official customer update issued by the airline’s Corporate Communications department on Thursday, 14, 2026,, Kenya Airways confirmed that the aircraft experienced a bird strike while landing in Abidjan.
The airline stated that the incident led to disruptions on the Abidjan-Dakar-Abidjan-Nairobi service as the aircraft was withdrawn for mandatory technical inspections and maintenance in line with safety and operational procedures.
Kenya Airways indicated that all scheduled flights on the affected route would be disrupted while assessments are carried out. The airline emphasised that operational decisions were guided by regulatory requirements governing aircraft safety checks after such incidents.
“We wish to inform our customers that one of our aircraft operating into Abidjan experienced a bird strike incident upon landing earlier today.”
Safety checks and operational response
The airline stated that the aircraft will undergo detailed technical inspections to determine its airworthiness before returning to service. These checks typically include assessments of the engines, airframe, and other systems to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
Kenya Airways noted that its technical teams are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. The airline reaffirmed that safety remains the highest priority in all operational decisions, particularly following incidents such as bird strikes that occur during takeoff or landing phases.
Passenger support and network impact
The airline also confirmed that it is reaching out to affected passengers to provide assistance and alternative travel arrangements where necessary. Customers booked on the impacted flights were advised to monitor communication channels for updates and rebooking options.
Passengers were provided with customer support contacts, including telephone +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp +254 705 474 747, and the X account @KQSupport.
Kenya Airways stated that the Abidjan route is part of its West African network linking Abidjan, Dakar, and Nairobi, serving business and leisure travellers across the region. The airline added that further updates will be provided as technical evaluations continue and operational schedules are adjusted accordingly.