Brussels Airlines Flight Aborts Landing in Bujumbura, Diverts to Entebbe

Brussels Airlines Flight SN455 was forced to abandon multiple landing attempts at Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport on Thursday after severe weather over the Rwegura region made conditions unsafe.

According to the Director General of Burundi’s Civil Aviation Authority, the pilots attempted to land several times but were unable to do so due to poor visibility and heavy turbulence.

Reports say the aircraft was subsequently diverted to Uganda, where it landed safely at Entebbe International Airport.

The incident comes just a day after Burundi closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the M23 rebels’ capture of the strategic town of Uvira.

The border lies just 40 kilometers from Bujumbura, where the airport is located, adding a layer of heightened regional tension as weather-related disruptions compound travel challenges.

All passengers and crew aboard Flight SN455 are reported safe, with aviation authorities continuing to monitor conditions in the area.