Kenya Airways (KQ) has reassured passengers and stakeholders of its commitment to safety following a bird strike incident involving flight KQ421 on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

The scheduled service from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport experienced the strike shortly after takeoff, prompting a return to Entebbe.

According to the airline’s customer update, the incident occurred at approximately 10:02 hrs EAT. The crew followed established safety protocols, informed passengers, and elected to turn back. The aircraft landed safely at Entebbe at 10:41 hrs local time. All passengers and crew disembarked without injury.

The airline confirmed that the bird strike affected the aircraft’s steering components. Engineering teams, working with airport officials, began assessments and repair work immediately. The aircraft is expected to return to service at around 20:00 hrs the same day, subject to completion of repairs.

“Kenya Airways (KQ) has reassured passengers and stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to safety following a bird strike incident involving flight KQ421 on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The scheduled service from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was disrupted by the strike shortly after takeoff, prompting a swift and professional return to Entebbe,” read the KQ X post in part.

Engineering response

Kenya Airways stated that the temporary grounding of the aircraft has led to some operational disruptions, with delays expected across parts of its network as schedules are adjusted. The airline said its teams were engaging affected passengers with rebooking options, refreshments, and assistance.

Bird strikes are a known operational risk in aviation, particularly in regions with high bird activity. Kenya Airways noted that it continues to invest in safety systems, aircraft monitoring technology, and airport wildlife management measures to reduce such incidents.

The airline also acknowledged its engineering teams for their rapid response, noting that maintenance operations remain central to maintaining fleet safety and reliability.

Passenger response

Passengers shared experiences on social media, describing the crew’s handling of the situation as calm and coordinated. Some travellers expressed relief following the safe landing and return to Entebbe.

Kenya Airways operates an extensive regional and international network, and the airline said efforts were underway to restore normal operations following the disruption. The carrier added that affected passengers are being supported as schedules are stabilised.