Flight disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) entered another day on Monday as the government stepped up efforts to end a strike by aviation workers that has left passengers dealing with lengthy delays and cancelled flights.
The industrial action, which began early Sunday, has affected air traffic control services at the airport, creating a backlog that continues to slow down flight operations. Travellers have been advised to check with their airlines before making their way to the airport as efforts to resolve the dispute continue.
Principal Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Korir Sing’Oei apologised to passengers caught up in the disruption, saying the government was working to bring the parties together and find a solution.
“We convey our sincere apologies to travellers for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing industrial action at JKIA and assure that the government is doing what it can to reach an amicable settlement on this matter,” the PS stated.
The strike started at about 2 am on Sunday, August 30, after workers resumed industrial action following the breakdown of an agreement that had earlier stopped a strike notice.
The disagreement involves the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and several employers, among them the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Jambojet.
A framework agreement had been reached by the parties on July 27, 2026, but KAWU later accused KAA and KCAA of failing to fulfil commitments made under the deal.
KAWU secretary-general Moss Ndiema said the unresolved matters include salaries, benefits, staff welfare, working conditions and recognition, among other issues.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir had taken part in efforts to bring the two sides together, with negotiations held in an attempt to avert another disruption to airport operations.
However, a meeting held on Sunday, August 30, ended without a settlement. Union officials said talks would go on even as workers remained on strike.
Passengers face prolonged disruption
The effect of the strike has been felt most directly by passengers, with some travellers spending several hours at JKIA waiting for flights to depart.
Kenya Airways reported delays of more than six hours on some services, while other flights were cancelled as airlines worked to clear the air traffic control backlog.
RwandAir was among regional carriers affected, with some Nairobi flights cancelled as the disruption continued.
For passengers whose journeys were badly affected, airlines made arrangements for hotel accommodation and transfers as they dealt with the delays.
The disruption has also spread beyond JKIA, with operations at Moi International Airport in Mombasa affected by the industrial action.
The problems have raised wider concerns in the aviation and business sectors, particularly among fresh produce exporters who depend on air transport to move perishable goods.
Exporters are concerned that continued delays could affect deliveries, orders and the movement of Kenyan products to external markets.
KAA issues fresh advisory
As the disruption continued, Kenya Airports Authority asked passengers to confirm their flight information directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
“Due to ongoing disruptions affecting flight operations, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines & confirm their flight status before travelling to the airport. We regret the inconvenience & appreciate your patience & understanding,” KAA said.
The authority said it was working with airlines and other stakeholders to keep airport operations safe, secure and orderly during the strike.
KAA also said passenger safety remained its highest priority as it worked to manage the effects of the industrial action.
Despite the failure to reach an agreement during Sunday's meeting, union officials said negotiations with employers would continue.
The prolonged disruption has also attracted concern from tourism and logistics stakeholders, who want the disagreement resolved to allow flight schedules and the movement of passengers and cargo through the country's main international airport to return to normal.
Meanwhile, the government is seeking an amicable settlement as the strike continues to affect operations at JKIA and other aviation facilities.