KQ 886 & 887 delays and cancelations
 

I’m flying KQ in two weeks to start a safari and have noticed that they flights have been very unreliable lately with long delays or outright cancellations. I’m conserved that these may be caused by mechanical issues that seem to be on going. Anyone have any insight into what has been happening with these flights?
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e69495fde3.png
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...694dbb04ae.png
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da3bbdc65e.png
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...05ece5d4ed.png

Unless I missed something, there's not a single cancellation either in your screenshot or in FR24 data looking at the last couple of months.
Checking from the beginning of Dec it was delayed more than 1hr 6 times and except for once always arrived before 10AM, what are your plans for the first day after arriving at NBO?

Thank you, that is very reassuring, i must be reading FR24 wrong then. For instance: Looking at KQ 886 I think it says that on Jan 8th the flight was supposed to leave at 11:59 PM (same time as my scheduled departure) but then says it actually departed at 7:09 AM the next morning, if that's true, i would assume that it landed at least several hours late since it took off over seven hours late from it's scheduled time. Same thing looks like it happened on the 7th too.

Our first day is supposed to be spent in Nairobi National Park, it would not be ideal to lose a part of the day, but at least it doesn't mess with our inter-Kenya flights.

That would be your return flight, I mostly looked at the flights to NBO as you mentioned about your Safari.

I don't think there's a need to spend a whole day in Nairobi National Park, if that's the only item for that day I think you'd be fine even if you start late

Not the biggest NP in the world. One could spend a full day there, though. Depends on ones level of interest. A late start is OK, but when it comes to game viewing the early bird often catches the worm.

It's been years since I last visited, but I used to hit the main gate at 6 a.m. Only took me 20 minutes to get there from the Norfolk Hotel, no 24/7 traffic jams in those days. Usually had the place to myself for at least the first hour, or much longer if I just kept heading roughly east.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...13da0e6816.jpg

Johan

I agree that one has to start early to catch the animals, even in NNP. Your flight is supposed to land @6am, but most people would be at the park entrance by then.

If you head straight there and are able to go through customs quickly that should be fine. If it is indeed delayed and you only land at 9 or so, and if weather allows (I was there a couple weeks ago, and it was pouring rain, thus very muddy), try to grab lunch at Ololo Lodge, it’s quite cool and south of the park :). You will have to go through the park either way to access, but at least you won’t be running in circle in the park trying to see something. Arriving on week-day or week end (when local expats are hitting the park as well) does make a difference.

Regarding the recurring delay, all your screenshots actually refer to 4 rotations NBO-BKK-CAN-BKK-NBO (5, 7, 8 & 10th of Jan, with 3 different aircrafts 5Y-KZJ/B/D). All of December seemed fine (by fine I mean no delays > 3 hours outbound NBO), and Jan 9th was fine as well. I would assume the situation will resume shortly. The high delay (>7 hours outbound NBO) is something quite unusual for KQ.

Indeed but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, a game drive (circa 3hrs) is usually enough and since OP is anyway heading on a Safari trip even more so.

Thanks for your helpful reply. We are staying at Nairobi Tented Camp in the park so we should be able to access using the back gate nearest the airport so that should help as long as our flight doesn't arrive too late.

Do you have any speculation as to what is causing the large delay, i'm only worried because it has almost been daily over the last week?