The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority says passenger backlogs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are being cleared, and operations are progressively stabilising after industrial action by aviation workers disrupted schedules.
Jambojet has warned that all flights across their network are delayed and advised passengers to expect extended ground holding times as the situation evolves.
In a statement on February 16, 2026, the regulator said it has “activated its operational continuity measures” after planned industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) affected operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
This comes as travellers reported delayed departures and arrivals across multiple airlines, and carriers issued advisories warning of extended holding times as the labour dispute plays out.
“KCAA wishes to provide the following update regarding flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Recovery efforts are actively underway, and passenger backlogs are being cleared in a structured and prioritised manner,” the aviation authority said, adding that “operations are progressively stabilising, with normal schedules expected to resume as soon as possible.”
The regulator stressed that safety remains uncompromised. All aircraft movements continue to be managed in accordance with established aviation standards, reassuring passengers and airlines that air traffic control and safety oversight have not been affected by the labour action.
It also acknowledged the inconvenience caused to travellers and urged them to confirm flight details directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport.
Amid the disruption, budget carrier Jambojet issued its own statement explaining the impact on its network.
“Jambojet would like to inform guests of delays following the ongoing industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). As a result, all flights across our network are delayed, with the possibility of extended ground holding times, due to delayed clearances,” the airline said.
It added that its teams are actively monitoring the situation and working closely with the relevant stakeholders on any developments to minimise disruption to their schedule.
The airline emphasised that “the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” and said affected customers “will continue receiving regular flight status updates, with further updates provided as more information becomes available.”
The latest disruptions stem from a broader standoff between KAWU and KCAA over unresolved labour issues, including stalled collective bargaining agreement negotiations and concerns over salaries and working conditions.
The union issued a seven-day strike notice earlier this month after talks failed to yield a deal, warning that it would paralyse airport operations nationwide unless its grievances were addressed, a scenario that now appears to have partly materialised.
Travel advisories issued by carriers and reports from passengers arriving at JKIA indicate long queues, delayed clearances and flights pushed back by hours as operations struggle to cope with reduced staffing and workflow disruptions.
The labour action comes only weeks after a court temporarily blocked a planned strike, reaffirming the legal and operational complexities surrounding industrial action in the sector.
Analysts say that aviation workers’ actions, especially at a strategic regional hub like JKIA, have far-reaching implications not only for passengers but also for cargo services, airline schedules, and Kenya’s connectivity with the wider world.
For now, regulators, airlines and workers remain in dialogue, even as contingency plans and recovery protocols are put to the test.
