Thousands of passengers in Kenya were left stranded as a sudden strike by aviation workers disrupted operations at major airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and smaller hubs like Kisumu International Airport. The labour action has caused flight delays, cancellations, and chaos for both domestic and international travellers.
The strike, which began on Monday, 16 February 2026, was organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). Union officials said unresolved grievances over salaries, working conditions, and delayed agreements with aviation authorities prompted the industrial action. Staff walkouts affected a wide range of airport operations, from air traffic control to passenger services, leaving travellers uncertain about departures and arrivals.
At JKIA, passengers reported long queues and overcrowded terminals, while online videos showed frustrated travellers waiting for hours with limited information about flight schedules. Many expressed concern over missed connections, overstaying visas, and disruptions to business and personal plans. Families and tourists were among the most affected, highlighting the human impact of the labour dispute.
Kenya Airways, the national carrier, urged passengers to confirm flight details before heading to airports and announced that some flights would be delayed due to the strike’s effect on air traffic management. Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) activated contingency plans to mitigate disruption but could not provide a definitive timeline for the resumption of normal operations.
In Kisumu, similar delays caused inconvenience for travellers and had a ripple effect on local businesses, including taxis and vendors who rely on consistent passenger traffic. The strike has drawn attention to underlying tensions within Kenya’s aviation sector and the challenges faced by workers seeking fair treatment and timely implementation of agreements.
Union leaders have stated they are willing to engage in dialogue but emphasized that they will continue their industrial action until their demands are met. The dispute highlights broader issues within the aviation industry, including workers’ rights, operational efficiency, and the balancing of labour relations with passenger services.
Analysts note that such strikes have significant economic consequences, affecting not just airlines and airports, but also tourism, trade, and local businesses connected to airport operations. The disruption underscores the need for structured labour negotiations and proactive conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent prolonged standstills.
Passengers were advised to monitor updates from airlines and airports, maintain flexible travel plans, and exercise patience as negotiations between KAWU, Kenya Airways, and airport authorities continue. The standoff has sparked urgent calls for resolution to restore stability and minimize further disruption to travellers and the broader economy.
As the aviation sector faces mounting pressure to resolve the impasse, authorities are being urged to act swiftly to safeguard the rights of workers while ensuring that passenger services resume with minimal further disruption. The outcome of this strike may influence labour relations and operational policies across Kenya’s aviation system in the months ahead.
Source: Thepressradio.com
