The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has raised concerns over flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, warning that the ongoing strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), including Air Traffic Control personnel, could compromise crew rest and aviation safety.
The industrial action has caused widespread flight delays, diversions, and cancellations, inconveniencing passengers and stakeholders across the country’s airspace.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KALPA reaffirmed that “aviation safety is non-negotiable,” emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to Flight Duty Period (FDP) limitations and mandatory rest requirements.
The association noted that these regulatory safeguards are essential to mitigate fatigue risks and ensure operations remain within internationally accepted safety standards, and warned that operational pressures should never compromise them.
Captain Murithi Nyagah, KALPA’s General Secretary and CEO, called on all parties to pursue constructive dialogue, stating, “Labour matters are best resolved through constructive, good-faith engagement. Approaches that frustrate negotiations or entrench positions only lead to avoidable stalemates and further disruption to the industry and the travelling public.”
The association further stressed that its members remain committed to professionalism, safety, and constructive industrial engagement.
“KALPA remains committed to professionalism, safety, and constructive industrial engagement in pursuit of a stable, resilient and thriving aviation sector in Kenya,” the statement read.
The Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) on Monday confirmed the ongoing delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to a labour dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
KAA Acting CEO Dr Mohamud Gedi said contingency plans were in place and urged passengers to check with airlines for updates, emphasizing the authority’s commitment to safety.
“Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for scheduled updates,” he said
Kenya Airways also warned of possible schedule changes, advising travellers to confirm flight status before heading to the airport while coordinating with authorities to minimise disruption.
“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status, ”the airline advised
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) had issued a seven-day strike notice to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, citing long-standing labour disputes and what it terms persistent violations of workers’ rights by management.
The notice ends today February 17, 2026, signalling the onset of the industrial action.
In a letter dated February 9, 2026, addressed to KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao, the union said all unionisable employees would down their tools upon expiry of the notice period if the issues raised are not “adequately addressed and conclusively resolved.”
The notice was issued pursuant to Article 41(2)(d) of the Constitution and Section 76 of the Labour Relations Act, 2007.
At the centre of the dispute is the failure to negotiate and conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2015. KAWU said the last CBA lapsed more than a decade ago and that subsequent negotiations have stalled due to management’s alleged refusal to engage.
“The consequence of your actions is that terms and conditions of service for unionisable employees of the Authority have remained unreviewed and stagnant for over ten years,” the union stated.
The union also accused KCAA of refusing to deduct union dues for employees in Grades 4 and 5 who have opted to join the union.
According to KAWU, management has ignored statutory Form S submissions, contrary to Section 48(3) of the Labour Relations Act.
“By its refusal, Management has violated the rights of its employees to join the Union as provided under Article 41(2)(c) of the Constitution,” the letter said.
Another major grievance raised is the prolonged engagement of employees on contract and temporary terms in roles described as permanent and established, including positions at the East African School of Aviation.
The union alleged that some workers are terminated and later re-engaged to keep them on inferior terms, denying them equal pay and fair labour practices.
KAWU further faulted KCAA for developing and implementing new human resource instruments without union involvement, contrary to Public Service Commission guidelines issued in August 2023.
The union said the unilateral rollout of new structures and grading systems has resulted in job downgrades and pay cuts, which it termed “unlawful, null and void.”
The union also cited defiance of a court order directing KCAA to renew the contract of Flight Operations Inspector Vivian Ongwae.
“The Management has to date refused to renew her contract in blatant defiance of the Court Order,” KAWU said, demanding full compliance, including payment of arrears and damages.
KAWU also accused KCAA management of anti-union posturing, including failure to facilitate union representatives to attend key meetings.
“Unless all the above issues in dispute are adequately addressed… we shall have no other alternative but to resort to industrial action,” the union warned.
