Passengers travelling through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are facing departure delays of up to four hours after air traffic control services were disrupted, prompting Kenya Airways to advise customers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline said the interruptions have forced it to adjust its schedule as it works to manage the impact on its network.
In a customer advisory issued on February 17, 2026, the carrier linked the delays to ongoing operational challenges affecting departures from JKIA. The situation follows earlier communication on flight disruptions and a statement from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on measures put in place to handle the crisis.
“Further to yesterday's update regarding flight disruptions out of JKIA, resulting from air traffic control operational delays, and a statement from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on its contingency measures, we wish to inform our customers that we are experiencing delays of up to four (4) hours for departures out of JKIA and have adjusted our network accordingly,” the airline said.
Kenya Airways stated that it is engaging aviation authorities and airport partners to reduce the impact while ensuring safe operations continue.
“Our teams are doing everything possible to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of our customers, which remains our highest priority,” the statement read, advising passengers to expect schedule adjustments and to monitor official communication channels for updates.
Travellers were also asked to consider rebooking through the airline’s mobile app or website where necessary.
In a separate notice, Jambojet confirmed disruptions across its entire network following industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which has affected air traffic control services.
In an update released at 9:15 a.m. on February 17, the airline said several flights would be affected as it works to clear a backlog that began on February 16.
“We regret to inform you of flight disruptions on 17th February 2026 following the industrial action by KAWU, affecting air traffic control,” Jambojet said.
The carrier urged customers to wait for official communication before travelling to the airport.
“Kindly do not proceed to the airport for your scheduled flight until you receive a further update from us regarding your flight status,” it advised.
Both airlines apologised to passengers for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused by the disruption. They said they are closely following developments in coordination with airport authorities and pledged to keep customers informed through SMS, email, and official social media platforms.
The industrial action by KAWU began after a seven day strike notice issued on February 9, 2026 to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority expired. In a letter addressed to KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao, the union warned that unionisable employees would down their tools if long standing concerns were not addressed.
At the heart of the dispute is the failure to negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2015, leaving workers’ terms “unreviewed and stagnant for over ten years.”
The union also accused KCAA of declining to deduct union dues for some members, which it said goes against the Labour Relations Act and violates workers’ constitutional right to join a union.
Other issues raised include the continued use of contract staff in roles considered permanent, claims of job downgrades and pay cuts under new human resource structures, and failure to comply with a court order directing the renewal of Flight Operations Inspector Vivian Ongwae’s contract.
As the standoff continues, travellers remain caught in the middle, with airlines working to restore normal schedules while the dispute between the union and the aviation regulator remains unresolved.
