Entebbe airport’s runway closed due Rwandair runway excursion

Rwandair flight WB464 from Nairobi skidded off the runway upon touchdown early on Wednesday morning. The Bombardier CRJ-900, registration 9XR-WI, veered right off the runway, coming to a stop with all gear on soft ground. All 60 passengers disembarked safely with no reported injuries.

The initial, brief investigation points towards poor markings on the runway and low visibility due to heavy rain. Entebbe’s main runway, 17/35, was recently renovated as part of the airport’s development plan. A formal investigation is underway and airport’s main runway is closed for assessment of the damaged Rwandair CRJ-900.

Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority has reported that the airport’s secondary runway, 12/30, remains operational.

A statement by Rwandair confirming the incident is below;

“RwandAir can confirm that flight WB464 was involved in an incident at 05:31 this morning, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway upon landing into Entebbe during adverse weather. All customers and crew were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The situation is under control and RwandAir are in contact with all affected customers. The aircraft is currently being recovered, so Entebbe’s runway can return to use.”

“Our Flight Crew are highly trained for all eventualities, including flying in adverse weather conditions. We are working closely with the local authorities, including the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority, who will investigate the circumstances around the incident. The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority.”