Kenya Aviation Union Strike Disrupts Flights at Jomo Kenyatta Airport

Kenya’s aviation union went on strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday, causing flight delays and disruptions. The union is demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions over disputes with authorities. Airlines and the Kenya Airports Authority are adjusting schedules and managing the impact while talks continue.

A strike by members of Kenya’s aviation union caused widespread disruptions and delays on Monday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the country’s largest airport serving Nairobi. The airport is a major hub for both regional and international travel, handling large volumes of trade and tourism traffic. The strike affected air traffic operations, leading to delays in both departures and arrivals.
Kenya Airways, the national carrier, issued a travel advisory urging passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. Tanzania’s Precision Air also reported that the strike and resulting air traffic control delays were affecting its operations, and both airlines promised to make schedule adjustments where possible. The Kenya Airports Authority stated that a contingency plan was in place to reduce the impact on travelers and confirmed that discussions were ongoing with union representatives to resolve the situation.
The strike followed a seven-day notice issued by the aviation union last week, citing disagreements over the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement with government authorities. The union members are demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and enhanced benefits. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had attempted to obtain a court injunction to stop the strike, but union officials stated that no court order had been served to halt their action.
Moss Ndiema, the secretary general of the union, told Reuters by phone that the strike was a complete action and would continue until their demands were addressed. Passengers were strongly advised to avoid the airport unless their flights had been confirmed, as authorities and airline operators worked to manage the disruptions caused by the strike.