In brief
A nationwide go‑slow strike by aviation employees has crippled flights at Nairobi’s key hub, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, leaving hundreds stranded and sowing uncertainty for travelers. Kenya Airways has faced over six‑hour delays and cancellations, while RwandAir also halted flights. Travelers have spent hours – or even overnight – waiting at check‑in areas as negotiations break down. The dispute stems from unresolved labour demands and earlier disagreements over volunteer staffing.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Kenya's main airport in the capital, Nairobi, as flight disruptions continued for the second day amid a workers' strike.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) serves as a crucial regional transport hub, linking East Africa to the world.
On Sunday, airport authorities and Kenya Airways warned that departing flights might be delayed as suspended air traffic control operations left the network in limbo.
New talks between unions and airport managers were slated for Monday, but a breakdown of negotiations a day earlier meant no resolution was reached.
The nationwide go‑slow strike by aviation workers demands better working conditions and enforcement of previously agreed contracts.
Those hoping to catch a flight have been stuck at JKIA, with some spending an entire night at or around the check‑in areas in anticipation of flight resumption.
Kenya Airways announced that due to “the industrial action by air traffic control workers”, it is experiencing delays exceeding six hours, and the backlog has forced it to cancel certain departures. It apologised for the disruption and offered penalty‑free re‑booking for affected passengers.
Flight‑tracking services such as Flightradar24 have documented a slew of delayed, cancelled or diverted flights across the region.
RwandAir also reported cancellations of two flights on Monday, citing ongoing “operational constraints affecting air traffic control services” at the airport, after earlier in‑week cancellations.
“I’ve been waiting for 12 hours,” said Mendel Goldman, who was bound for a wedding in Florida. “The earliest flight we can get is only tomorrow night. We’ve had to wait.”
William Obino, a 22‑year‑old traveller, told the AFP that the delay was ruining his itinerary, saying “Nothing is happening and updates are reaching us late.”
The strike follows a February dispute over collective bargaining and the use of volunteers at JKIA.
Union representatives cited unresolved concerns as the reason for the industrial action.
JKIA processed roughly nine million passengers last year, but multiple strikes over the past years indicate persistent push‑back from aviation staff for improved conditions.
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