Nairobi, February 17: Flights at Kenya’s main international airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, were significantly disrupted on Monday due to a staff strike, causing considerable inconvenience for travelers.
Kenyan aviation authorities have assured that contingency measures have been implemented to restore normalcy. The strike began early Monday morning amid a labor dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
As a result of the strike, numerous flights experienced delays, leaving many passengers stranded at the airport. This airport is one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs, handling millions of passengers and a substantial amount of cargo each year.
The Kenya Airports Authority stated in a release from Nairobi, “Contingency plans have been activated. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information.”
This labor dispute centers around a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has been pending since 2015. Employees claim that several promises, including salary reviews, have not been fulfilled over the past decade. The union had warned of the strike seven days prior, while the aviation regulator sought a court order to prevent the strike.
Kenya Airways has urged passengers to regularly check the status of their flights. The airline noted that travelers can receive real-time updates through its website, mobile app, and official communication channels.
Additionally, the airline reported that some flights are affected by delays in air traffic control.
KCAA Director General Emile Arao stated that efforts are ongoing to normalize the situation, and flight operations are being gradually restored based on priority.
He remarked, “We are systematically reducing the number of passengers waiting. Operations are stabilizing slowly, and we expect to return to a normal schedule soon.”
Authorities have advised travelers to confirm their flight information before heading to the airport and to arrive with extra time. The administration is committed to prioritizing safety while working to fully restore normal operations.
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