Passengers flying with Kenya Airways have been warned to expect further delays even after the end of the Air Traffic Control workers’ strike, as the airline works to clear flights disrupted during the industrial action.
Kenya Airways said its teams had begun working on the backlog created by the strike and were adjusting flight schedules to restore normal operations. The airline expects its regular schedule to be back in place by Wednesday, September 2, although passengers may continue experiencing delays as the recovery process continues.
“Following the Air Traffic Control workers' strike call-off this morning, our teams have been proactively working through the flight backlog to restore normal operations,” the airline said in a customer update issued on Tuesday.
“Customers should expect some delays as our teams restore flight schedules.”
The disruption came after aviation workers went on strike, affecting flight operations at Kenyan airports and leaving travellers dealing with delays and cancellations.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) ended the strike after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the government following overnight talks.
Under the agreement, workers are required to return to duty immediately and work with airport management to restore normal services and help clear the backlog caused by the strike.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union had accepted compromises to end the industrial action and allow operations to resume.
“Even though we have got everything as we wanted, we have made compromises that we believe will be in the benefit of our members and the country,” he said.
Ndiema also apologised to passengers who were affected by the disruption.
“We want to apologize to travellers, all those who have been inconvenienced,” he said.
The return-to-work agreement also provides for fresh talks between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) over a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“The key thing that we have achieved is that we will be beginning collective bargaining negotiations with KCAA in a matter of a day or two,” Ndiema said.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the government and the union had agreed on a return-to-work formula covering the issues that had triggered the strike.
He said the agreement dealt with agency fees and three outstanding CBAs, with the negotiations expected to follow guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
“We should be able to accordingly address those concerns and ensure that the staff, particularly of KCAA, who did not have a collective bargaining agreement since 2015 are addressed accordingly,” Chirchir said.
For Kenya Airways travellers, the focus now shifts to the restoration of flight schedules after the disruption.
The airline said passengers whose flights are affected will receive updates through SMS, WhatsApp and email using the contact information provided when making their bookings.
Travellers can also confirm their flight status through the Kenya Airways website or mobile application. Those who need to update their contact details can do so through the “Manage Booking” option.
Passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted can reschedule their flights without paying an additional fee.
Kenya Airways said passengers who need further help can contact its Customer Excellence Centre as the airline works to fully restore normal operations.