By Emmanuel Nduka Obsiue
Flight operations were disrupted on Monday at Kenya’s busiest aviation hub following an industrial action by airport workers, impacting departures, arrivals, and air traffic control services.
Kenya Airways (KQ) issued a public advisory warning passengers of “possible schedule adjustments, including delays,” and urged travelers to confirm the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
“We are currently experiencing air traffic control operational delays at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), affecting certain departures and arrivals,” the airline said in a statement posted on X.
JKIA is one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs and serves as a key transit point for regional and international travel.
The disruption follows a strike notice issued last week by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). The union announced plans for industrial action beginning Monday over unresolved grievances, including stalled negotiations on an employment agreement.
KAWU had earlier warned of a potential “total shutdown of Kenyan airspace” if its demands were not addressed by the deadline.
Passengers took to social media to report extended delays after boarding flights. Some described being kept on the runway for up to three hours due to air traffic control disruptions.
The impact extended beyond Nairobi. Flights at Kisumu Airport were also affected, with Kenyan Senator Boni Khalwale posting online that passengers had been stranded for hours.
The latest strike comes amid broader labour tensions within Kenya’s aviation sector. In 2024, workers at JKIA staged protests against a proposed deal between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group to expand the airport. Union members argued the agreement could threaten local jobs and reduce long-term public revenue.
The Kenyan government later cancelled the partnership, citing corruption concerns after Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani was indicted in the United States.
