Skyward Airlines has issued a clarification following reports circulating online about one of its aircraft allegedly failing to land at Eldoret International Airport. The airline emphasized that the incident in question was not related to a commercial service but was instead part of a scheduled training exercise.
According to the airline, the aircraft involved, a DHC-8 registered as 5Y-SMK, was undergoing a routine crew training session as required by aviation authorities. These training flights are carried out regularly to ensure that flight crews remain competent, compliant, and capable of handling various operational scenarios.
The airline confirmed that no passengers were on board during the exercise, stressing that the flight was purely instructional. It further reassured the public that the training session concluded safely and without incident. After completing the procedures at Eldoret, the aircraft returned to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Skyward Airlines underscored its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, professionalism, and regulatory compliance across all its operations. The airline reiterated that such training activities are standard practice in the aviation industry and are vital in enhancing the readiness of flight crews.
The clarification followed a wave of speculation on social media platforms, where some users claimed that a passenger flight had encountered difficulties landing at Eldoret and was eventually diverted back to Nairobi. These reports sparked anxiety and raised concerns about potential technical problems.
However, Skyward Airlines made it clear that the claims were misleading since the aircraft was not engaged in commercial service. The carrier stressed that no passengers were inconvenienced or placed at risk during the exercise. All its regular flight operations remain unaffected and continue as scheduled.
The airline reassured travelers and stakeholders that safety is its top priority and that it remains committed to transparency and operational excellence. Training sessions such as the one conducted in Eldoret are routine measures to strengthen operational efficiency and ensure that crew members are always prepared to meet regulatory and safety requirements.
By addressing the misinformation quickly, Skyward Airlines sought to calm concerns and reaffirm public confidence in its services. The airline concluded its statement by reiterating its dedication to upholding safety, compliance, and professionalism in all aspects of its operations.
