On the morning of October 28, 2025, tragedy struck Kenya’s famed tourist corridor when a Cessna Caravan aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, crashed into a forested region of Kwale County, claiming the lives of all on board. The plane, which had departed from Ukunda Airport in Diani and was bound for the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, went down roughly 40 kilometers from its point of origin. The crash, which occurred amid heavy rainfall and poor visibility, left the international travel community reeling and families in Hungary and Germany confronting unimaginable loss.
According to the airline and local authorities, the aircraft carried 11 people—eight Hungarian tourists, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot. Early reports fluctuated between 11 and 12 fatalities, but officials later clarified the total. The passengers, most of whom were traveling as part of two Hungarian families and their acquaintance, included two minors. The plane crashed in rugged, wooded terrain, bursting into flames and leaving only charred wreckage for investigators to sift through. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and encountering a scene of devastation, with clothing and debris scattered among the trees and human remains rendered unrecognizable by the blaze, as reported by the Associated Press.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was quick to respond, expressing his condolences in a social media post: "What a tragedy! Our sincere condolences to families of the Hungarians who died in the plane crash in Kenya." Orbán also confirmed that Hungary’s Foreign Ministry was in close contact with Kenyan authorities to coordinate support for the bereaved families. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó echoed these sentiments and emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting those affected. "The Hungarian victims comprised two families, including two minors, and an acquaintance of theirs," Szijjártó stated, according to Hungary Today. "The identification of the victims is ongoing, and once they are identified, their families will be contacted. The government will assist the victims’ families in every way it can."
Hungary’s President, Tamás Sulyok, also weighed in on the tragedy, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "I was deeply saddened to learn about the plane crash in Kenya. I am praying for those who lost their lives in the tragedy, extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, and wish them strength to cope with their tragic loss." The Hungarian consul in Kenya was dispatched to the crash site to ensure that the victims' relatives could receive direct and immediate assistance.
The crash occurred under challenging weather conditions. Stephen Orinde, police commander of Kwale County, told reporters that the accident took place at around 5:30 a.m. local time, during a period of heavy rain. However, Kenya’s transport minister later cited 8:35 a.m. as the time of the crash, highlighting some confusion in the immediate aftermath. What is certain is that the pilot failed to make contact with ground control after takeoff, and it took airport authorities 30 minutes to locate the wreckage. Mombasa Air Safari, which operates a fleet of 13-passenger Cessna aircraft serving many of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations, stated that the pilot was flying solo, despite the aircraft typically requiring two pilots.
John Cleave, Chairman of Mombasa Air Safari, issued a statement underscoring the airline’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims and its full cooperation with investigators. "We are doing our best to provide full support to the victims’ families," he said, as quoted by Blikk. The airline, along with Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority, has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority initially reported 12 people on board, but this was later revised to 11 as details became clearer.
The loss has been felt acutely in Hungary, particularly within the country’s sporting community. Among the victims was Gyula Süllős, head of the boxing department at the storied Vasas SC sports club, along with his wife, two children, and the family’s babysitter. The Süllős family had been closely associated with the club’s boxing program for decades, with Gyula Süllős Sr. having served as a patron and namesake before his death in 2009. Gyula Süllős Jr. continued this legacy, serving as president of the department and as a board member, known for his unwavering support of the club and its athletes. Vasas SC confirmed the family’s deaths and mourned the loss of a beloved leader in Hungarian sports.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, the intended destination of the ill-fated flight, is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife conservation parks. Each year, it draws thousands of tourists from around the world, particularly during the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The route from Diani to the Maasai Mara is a popular one, typically a two-hour direct flight over some of Kenya’s most stunning landscapes. For many, this journey represents the adventure of a lifetime—a chance to witness the continent’s natural wonders firsthand. But this week’s crash has cast a long shadow over Kenya’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on the safety and reliability of domestic air travel to shuttle visitors between its far-flung attractions.
This is not the first time Mombasa Air Safari has faced tragedy. In 2012, another of its planes crashed in the Maasai Mara, resulting in four deaths. The most recent safety oversight audit for Kenya, published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in 2018, found that the country’s performance in accident investigation lagged behind the global average. While Kenya’s aviation sector has made significant strides in recent years, this latest accident is likely to renew scrutiny over safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
The international response has been swift and somber. Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister, spoke with his Kenyan counterpart, Musalia Mudavadi, thanking him for his efforts and requesting further assistance to ensure that procedures for victim identification and repatriation proceed as smoothly and quickly as possible. "We express our sincere condolences to the victims’ family members and relatives, and we will do everything possible to provide them with all necessary support in this difficult situation," Szijjártó said in a statement relayed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
As investigators comb through the wreckage and families around the world grieve, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in even the most routine journeys. For those whose loved ones were lost, the pain is immeasurable. For Kenya’s aviation and tourism sectors, the tragedy is a call to redouble efforts to ensure the highest standards of safety for all who visit the country’s storied landscapes.
The world now watches as authorities seek answers and families begin the long process of mourning and remembrance. In the words of Prime Minister Orbán, what remains is the hope that those affected can find strength in the face of such profound loss.
