A Wilson Airport incident occurred Friday evening when a Safarilink aircraft carrying 39 passengers, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, veered off the runway while landing in Nairobi. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said the plane, arriving from Kisumu International Airport, went off the runway at 2055 hrs, but all passengers and crew escaped without injuries.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety and infrastructure at Wilson Airport, even as authorities confirmed that normal operations continued after the event. The aircraft remained on site as recovery efforts began.
Wilson Airport incident leaves passengers unharmed
According to KAA, the Wilson Airport incident involved a Safarilink aircraft that veered off the runway upon landing. Officials stated that all passengers, crew members, and the pilot were safe.
“We wish to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe, with no injuries reported. The aircraft remains on site, and recovery efforts are currently underway,” KAA said.
Airport operations continued without disruption, the authority added.
Senator Osotsi recounts Wilson Airport incident
Senator Godfrey Osotsi confirmed he was among those on board during the Wilson Airport incident. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for surviving what he described as a serious aviation event.
“I thank God for His protection after I came out safely from an aircraft accident at Wilson Airport this evening,” Osotsi said.
He also praised the pilot’s response, noting that quick action helped prevent a potentially more serious outcome.
“I commend the pilot for his remarkable skill and presence of mind in controlling the aircraft,” he added.
Safety concerns raised after Wilson Airport incident
Despite the safe outcome, the Wilson Airport incident has drawn criticism over emergency preparedness. Osotsi said there was no immediate rescue response after the aircraft came to a stop.
“There was no ambulance on site and no emergency response team came to our aid,” he said, calling the situation unacceptable.
He linked the event to broader concerns about infrastructure at the airport. According to the senator, the runway was flooded and lighting systems were not functioning properly.
Questions over airport infrastructure and operations
Osotsi noted that he had recently raised safety concerns in the Senate regarding Wilson Airport. He said the Wilson Airport incident reinforces those concerns and highlights ongoing risks.
He questioned why the flight was allowed to land under the reported conditions, noting that flights are often diverted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during similar circumstances.
“It is common knowledge that flights are often diverted in the evening due to these conditions,” he said.
Calls for review after Wilson Airport incident
Following the Wilson Airport incident, the senator called for urgent measures, including a possible closure and upgrade of the facility to meet international safety standards.
Aviation authorities have not announced any immediate changes. However, the incident is likely to prompt further scrutiny of airport safety protocols and infrastructure.
The event adds to ongoing discussions about aviation safety in Kenya, particularly at smaller but busy airports like Wilson. While no injuries were reported, officials may face increased pressure to address concerns raised by passengers and lawmakers.
