Kenya Airways flight returns back to JKIA on concerns of hazardous biological material leakage, Carrier said returned due to a medical emergency.

• Kenya Airways flight KQ484, that departed at approximately 1:40 PM LT, returned back shortly after takeoff to address a medical emergency.
• The carrier confirmed that all necessary health and safety protocols were followed, and passengers were updated and assisted by the airline staff during the disruption.
• KQ apologised for the inconvenience caused and reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain their highest priority.

A Kenya Airways B737 plane from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam was returned to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday shortly after departure.

In a statement, the Kenya Airways confirmed that the flight returned shortly at around 1.40 pm due to a medical emergency.

The concerned flight from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam was forced to return to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday, April 27, 2025. 

According to initial reports, and social media posts, the flight KQ484 was already in the air when the order was sent to turn around and return to Nairobi immediately, with passengers being told there was a risk that Tuberculosis Bacilli bacteria may have leaked from the cargo hold during the previous flight.

Later on, Kenya Airways released Customer update and confirmed that the incident through a statement saying the medical emergency had been dealt with.

The statement which was released by Kenya Airways’ Corporate Communications office, flight KQ484 departed Nairobi at approximately 1:40 PM local time but had to turn back shortly after takeoff to address a medical situation.

"Kenya Airways confirms that 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," read the statement by KQ.

The carrier further stated that medical personnel were on standby and received the aircraft upon its return, with all necessary health and safety protocols were strictly followed. 

KQ added that the passengers were briefed by the airline staff and provided with guidance in accordance with established health and safety regulations.

Kenya Airways apologised for the inconvenience caused, stating,

"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests during this period."

So far, the carrier has not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the medical emergency or the condition of the affected individual(s).