The engine of the cargo plane that had stalled at the JKIA runway caught fire, causing takeoff wheels to burst, The Star has established.
11 out of 16 takeoff wheels of the Singapore Airlines burst following a failed takeoff after one of the engines failed.
So far, the runway has been partially opened for smaller planes to take off.
Kenya Airports Authority announced that flights into, and out of JKIA had been temporarily suspended.
KAA said the runway closure resulted from an aborted take-off by a cargo plane after it developed technical hitches.
The authority insisted that their priority is the safety of passengers and that they are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
"Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible," KAA said.
"As a result of the runway closure, all incoming and outgoing flights have been temporarily suspended."
There have been numerous flight delays.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier said officials are working to have the plane removed from the runway to allow the resumption of business.
"We are doing everything possible to remove the aircraft from the runway and resume normal business. Thank you for your patience," Murkomen said.
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