Cape Town runway closed after Kenya Airways plane tyre failure; all passengers safe

Johannesburg: The main runway at Cape Town International Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday after a Kenya Airways aircraft suffered a tyre failure during landing. All passengers were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported, according to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

The incident occurred at approximately 1525 local time (1325 GMT). A spokesperson for the airports operator confirmed that as of 1800 local time, the aircraft remained disabled on the runway, prompting the closure of the main runway to ensure safety and facilitate recovery operations.

All arriving flights were diverted to other airports in the region as a precautionary measure. While domestic departures continued to operate, international departures from Cape Town were temporarily halted. The disruption affected travellers and airline schedules, but authorities assured that the situation was being handled in line with standard safety protocols.

Cape Town International Airport is the second-busiest airport in South Africa, serving as a major gateway for tourists visiting the popular coastal city. The airport handles a significant volume of domestic and international traffic, making any disruption a matter of concern for the region's economy and connectivity.

Kenya Airways, the national carrier of Kenya, operates regular flights between Nairobi and Cape Town. The airline has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but aviation safety experts note that tyre failures during landing are rare but manageable, with pilots trained to handle such emergencies. The aircraft involved was likely evacuated on the runway with passengers bussed to the terminal, a standard procedure in such incidents.

ACSA has stated that the priority is the safety of passengers and crew. The aircraft will be examined by engineers to determine the cause of the tyre failure, and the runway will be reopened once it is cleared and certified safe for operations. An investigation is expected to follow, in accordance with civil aviation regulations.

Passengers on the affected flight were reported to be safe, though some may have experienced delays in reaching their destinations. Airline representatives on the ground provided assistance and alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

The temporary closure of the runway is a reminder of the robustness of aviation safety systems and the swift response required to manage such incidents. While disruptions are inconvenient, they underscore the industry's commitment to putting safety first.

Efforts are underway to clear the runway and resume normal operations. Travellers headed to or from Cape Town are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information and to allow extra time for delays. The airport authority has assured the public that every effort is being made to minimise inconvenience.