Kenya Airways has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing of one of its flights. 

In a statement on Sunday, April 27, Kenya Airways said flight KQ484, which had departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) bound for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a medical emergency.

"On 27th April 2025, at around 13:40hrs local time, flight KQ484, operating from Nairobi (NBO) to Dar es Salaam (DAR), returned to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after departure due to a medical emergency," the statement read.

Despite the emergency, Kenya Airways assured that all necessary protocols were put into action, adding that passengers were kept well informed throughout the process. 

"The aircraft was received by medical personnel, and the necessary health and safety protocols were adhered to.

"Passengers were briefed and provided with guidance in line with health and safety regulations. The flight was cleared for takeoff to Dar es Salaam at 15:54hrs," the statement added.

This comes barely a month after Kenya Airways announced that an elderly passenger died aboard one of its flights while en route from New York to Nairobi. 

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In a statement on Friday, April 11, KQ said the passenger, who was on flight KQ 003, experienced a medical emergency, prompting the crew to divert to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to expedite urgent medical care.

"Kenya Airways PLC (“KQ”) regrets to confirm the passing on of a passenger on flight KQ 003 operating from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) on Friday, 11th April 2025. Earlier on, the elderly passenger experienced a medical emergency. At 0840 hours Nairobi Time, the crew notified the Kenya Airways Operations Control Centre that the passenger had collapsed. In accordance with international aviation medical protocols, the crew, supported by three qualified medical professionals who volunteered on board, immediately initiated emergency procedures, including the use of onboard medical equipment," part of the statement read.

KQ added, "The flight diverted toward Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to expedite urgent medical care. Regrettably, despite sustained resuscitation efforts, the passenger was pronounced deceased by the attending medical professionals at 0910 hours East Africa Time (EAT), prior to landing." 

Kenya Airways stated that after confirmation of the fatality, the flight crew resumed the journey to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and arrived at 10:27hours in Nairobi.