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Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Grinds to a Halt Amid Workers' Strike

Hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi as a workers' strike caused widespread flight disruptions for the

ramadiansyah Aug 31, 2026 · 18:16 WIB 0 komentar 0 dibaca

Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Grinds to a Halt Amid Workers' Strike

Hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi as a workers' strike caused widespread flight disruptions for the second consecutive day. The airport, a crucial regional transport hub, has been grappling with the impact of the industrial action, which is aimed at demanding better working conditions and the implementation of an agreed-upon deal.

The strike, which has led to a "go-slow" operation by aviation sector workers, has caused significant delays and cancellations. On Sunday, both the airports authority and Kenya Airways issued warnings about potential delays to departing flights. Negotiations between the unions and airport managers were scheduled for Monday, but talks had already broken down without reaching an agreement the previous day.

Passengers at JKIA have been enduring long waits, with some spending the night in and around the check-in areas, hoping for updates on their delayed flights. Kenya Airways reported that the industrial action by air traffic control workers was causing delays of over six hours, leading to a backlog that necessitated the cancellation of some flights. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience and offered passengers the option to change or reschedule their flights without penalty.

Flight tracking website Flightradar24 displayed a multitude of delayed, cancelled, or diverted flights, illustrating the scale of the disruption. RwandAir announced on Monday that it had cancelled two flights due to ongoing "operational constraints affecting air traffic control services" at the airport, following earlier cancellations on Sunday.

Mendel Goldman, a traveler bound for a wedding in Florida, expressed his frustration to Reuters, noting that his flight had been cancelled after several delays. "The earliest flight they can get us is only tomorrow night, so we've got to wait," he said, having already spent 12 hours waiting in the airport.

William Obino, a 22-year-old traveler, echoed these sentiments to the AFP news agency, stating, "Nothing is happening, updates are reaching us late. It's ruining our itinerary."

The current strike follows a two-day dispute in February over collective bargaining and the use of volunteers at the airport. Union officials explained that they had taken industrial action due to unresolved concerns. The strike is part of a broader pattern of labor disputes at the airport, which has seen multiple strikes in recent years as workers push for improved conditions.

JKIA, one of the busiest hubs in the region, serves as a key gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. Last year, it handled approximately nine million passengers, according to Kenyan authorities. The airport's importance is further underscored by its role as a critical transit point for international flights.

The ongoing strike has highlighted the challenges faced by Kenya's aviation sector, which has been grappling with labor issues and disruptions in recent years. The situation at JKIA is a stark reminder of the potential impact of labor disputes on international travel and the broader economy.