Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026

Image
Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026 Brussels, Belgium – November 2025  Brussels Airlines has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania starting June 3, 2026, strengthening the connection between Europe and East Africa. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in three classes - Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The route will follow a triangular pattern: Brussels → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi → Brussels. About Brussels Airlines Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group - one of Europe’s largest airline networks. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, giving passengers global connectivity through code-sharing and coordinated routes with other major carriers. From its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), the airline serves more than 80 destinations across Europe, A...
Post a Comment

12 Dead in Kenya Plane Crash — Cessna Caravan Down in Kwale County

Kwale County, Kenya — October 28, 2025

A Mombasa Air Safari aircraft crashed early Tuesday morning in Kenya’s coastal region, killing all 12 people on board, including ten foreign tourists and Kenyan pilot.

The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration 5Y-CCA), departed Diani Airstrip in Kwale County en route to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. According to Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) officials, communication with the pilot was lost shortly after takeoff, and attempts to reach the aircraft for nearly thirty minutes were unsuccessful.

The wreckage was later discovered in a hilly, forested area about 40 km from Diani, during a period of heavy rainfall and thick mist.

The Victims

Authorities confirmed that the passengers included eight Hungarians and two Germans, along with the Kenyan pilots. All were part of a safari group headed for the Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most visited tourist destinations.

Aircraft and Technical Details

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, serial number 208B-1248, was built in 2007 and powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine. The aircraft was initially registered in the United States as N12686, later operating in Tanzania as 5H-DAN, before being registered in Kenya in 2013.








The Caravan is a single-engine turboprop designed for short-haul regional flights and is widely used for tourism and charter operations across East Africa. The model has an excellent service record but requires strict adherence to weather and loading limitations, especially in challenging terrain.

Weather and Conditions

At the time of the crash, Kwale County was experiencing heavy rain, low visibility, and mist, conditions that are common along the coastal region during this period. Early reports suggest the aircraft may have encountered severe weather shortly after takeoff, although investigators have not ruled out other contributing factors such as technical failure or human error.

Investigation Underway

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Kenya Transportation Safety Authority have launched a joint investigation into the crash.

Wreckage of 5Y-CCA

Wreckage recovery and black box retrieval efforts are ongoing, though early images show extensive damage to the airframe.





A Tragic Reminder

This crash is a sobering reminder that even short regional hops can turn deadly when weather, terrain, and communication failures align. While investigators work to establish the cause, the tragedy reinforces the need for improved oversight, better technology, and stronger safety culture within East Africa’s growing tourism aviation sector.

Follow Aviation2Day for more aviation news and safety insights.

Press release from the KCAA


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What we Know About Flight Turbulence

Image
Aircraft turbulence, defined as the irregular motion of air encountered during flight, is a common phenomenon in aviation. Often invisible to the naked eye, turbulence can arise from a variety of atmospheric conditions, including variations in air pressure, the presence of jet streams, airflow around mountainous terrain, the interaction of cold or warm weather fronts, and the dynamic environments associated with thunderstorms. The seemingly random occurrence of turbulence underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of its characteristics and the development of effective safety measures. Although turbulence is considered a normal part of air travel and occurs with notable frequency, its potential to cause discomfort, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, injuries cannot be understated. The unpredictable jolts and shakes can significantly increase anxiety among passengers, especially those already apprehensive about flying. Furthermore, severe turbulence ca...
Read more

Is It Safe to Fly? A Look at Recent Aviation Incidents

Image
Aviation has long been celebrated as one of the safest forms of transportation, with rigorous safety standards, cutting-edge technology, and highly trained professionals ensuring that millions of passengers reach their destinations safely every day. However, the closing months of 2024 and the start of 2025 have seen a series of aviation incidents, some fatal and others non-fatal, that have drawn global attention. For aviation enthusiasts, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the complexities of modern flight. They highlight not only the rare but real risks involved but also the industry’s relentless pursuit of safety improvements. While such accidents can be alarming, understanding their causes and implications is crucial for grasping the bigger picture of aviation safety. Recent Aviation Incidents: Fatal and Non-Fatal 1. Jeju Air Crash – South Korea (December 29, 2024) A tragic accident occurred at Muan International Airport, South Korea, when a Jeju Air flight crashed during l...
Read more

Pilatus Unveils it's new PC-12 Pro

Image
March 14,2025 Pilatus Aircraft officially introduced the PC-12 Pro, the 2025 version of its iconic single-engine turboprop. Announced at the company’s headquarters in Switzerland, the PC-12 Pro builds on the success of its predecessors while integrating cutting-edge avionics, automation, and premium cabin upgrades. The aircraft has already received FAA and EASA certification, ensuring it meets the highest regulatory standards and is ready for operation in key aviation markets. Next-Level Avionics with Garmin G3000 Prime A major highlight of the PC-12 Pro is the introduction of the Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite, replacing the Honeywell Apex system found in previous models. This advanced system brings a completely digital cockpit experience with three 14-inch touchscreen primary displays, touchscreen secondary displays, and a GI 275 standby instrument, offering pilots an intuitive and modern interface. Advanced Safety & Automation The PC-12 Pro features Garmin’s Emergency Autolan...
Read more