Kenya airport strike leaves travelers stranded as flight disruptions persist
Passengers travelling through Kenya’s busiest airport faced long delays, cancellations and uncertainty as industrial action by aviation workers continued to disrupt operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The strike, which entered its second day, affected both domestic and international travel, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded while airlines struggled to manage growing backlogs.
Kenya Airways warned customers that flight schedules had been severely impacted, with some departures delayed by several hours and others cancelled altogether. The airline said affected passengers would be allowed to reschedule their travel without additional charges.
The disruption has been linked to industrial action involving aviation personnel, including air traffic control workers, who are demanding improved working conditions and the implementation of agreements they say have not been fully honoured.
Across the airport, frustrated passengers waited for updates as check-in areas and departure halls filled with travellers attempting to secure alternative flights. Some reported spending the night at the airport after repeated delays.
The impact extended beyond Kenya’s national carrier. Regional airlines were also forced to adjust schedules, with some flights cancelled because of operational challenges associated with the strike.
Negotiations between airport management and labour representatives have yet to produce a breakthrough. Although fresh discussions are expected, earlier talks ended without a resolution, prolonging uncertainty for travellers and airlines alike.
The latest industrial action follows previous labour disputes within Kenya’s aviation sector, where workers have repeatedly raised concerns about employment conditions and workplace agreements.
JKIA serves as one of Africa’s most important aviation hubs, connecting passengers across East Africa and linking the region to destinations around the world. Any prolonged disruption at the airport is therefore likely to have wider implications for regional air travel.
As negotiations continue, passengers have been advised to check directly with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and travel arrangements before heading to the airport.
Source: BBC
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