JKIA lockdown lifted, flight rescheduled after bomb scare

Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi resumed on Wednesday evening after a bomb scare forced a temporary lockdown.

A passenger aboard flight KQ 762 raised the alarm so the Johannesburg-bound Kenya Airways plane did not leave the airport.

The passenger reportedly shouted 'bomb' during an argument, causing a scare in the plane which had been taxing, ready for takeoff.

FLIGHT RESCHEDULED

In an update later in the day, Kenya Airways apologised for inconveniences and informed travellers that the flight would depart at 7.30pm.

"Passengers have been processed and Aircraft cleared for take off," a statement said.

"Diverted flights have also been cleared to land at the JKIA as the temporary shutdown has been lifted."

PRECAUTIONS

In the statement, KQ spokesperson Dennis Kashero said they were notified of a possible bomb threat at about 1.15pm.

The plane was headed for OR-Tambo International Airport in the South African city.

“KQ would like to report that the passenger who raised the bomb scare has been taken into police custody,” Mr Kashero said, without revealing the person's identity.

The passenger was handed over to the Anti-Terror Police Unit for interrogation.

The airline re-screened passengers and carried out extensive security checks after the incident as part of precautionary measures.