Strike by Airport Workers Disrupts Flights at Nairobi’s Main Airport

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Nairobi: A strike by aviation workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya’s largest and busiest airport, has caused widespread travel disruptions, delaying flights and leaving many passengers unable to depart or arrive on schedule. The industrial action began Monday and continued into its second day, frustrating travelers and forcing airlines to revise itineraries.

Thousands of passengers were affected as the walkout touched air traffic control and ground services, leading to cancellations and delays of up to four hours on some flights. Homesick travelers and families cited long waits in terminals with limited information, as airlines struggled to keep operations running under strike conditions.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union initiated the action after negotiations with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority over a stalled collective bargaining agreement and demands for better pay and improved working conditions failed to produce a resolution. Union leaders had given notice last week, underscoring unresolved labor grievances that workers say have gone unaddressed for years.

In response, Kenya Airways, the country’s national carrier, issued a travel advisory urging passengers to confirm flight status before heading to the airport, and said air traffic control delays were affecting both departures and arrivals. Airlines have had to adjust schedules and advise rebooking where possible to manage the disruption.

Officials from the Kenya Airports Authority said contingency plans were in place to mitigate the impact, and worked to gradually clear backlogs and restore normal operations. Authorities reiterated their commitment to safety while engaging in talks with workers to end the standoff.

As one of Africa’s major travel and trade hubs, the disruption at JKIA has had ripple effects beyond Kenya’s borders, affecting regional connections and international passengers. Travelers expressed frustration, while some acknowledged sympathy for workers’ calls for fair wages and conditions
Photo credit: jkiairport.com