Flight Disruptions Reported at JKIA as Aviation Workers Warn of Week-Long Delays
According to Kenya Airports Authority, departures and arrivals were affected due to slowed air traffic control processes, forcing airlines to adjust schedules and warn travellers of extended waiting times.
In a public notice, the authority stated “The public is advised that delays affecting departing flights are being experienced due to the ongoing labour dispute between the union and aviation regulator”.
The dispute involves the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, with workers accusing management of failing to implement agreements and address long-standing employment concerns.
Several airlines operating at the airport also alerted passengers of interruptions. One carrier informed travellers “Passengers should expect schedule adjustments including delays“ while urging them to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
Authorities confirmed contingency plans had been activated to manage passenger flow and maintain safety standards. Despite the disruptions, officials emphasized that safety protocols remained intact and no flights had been cancelled due to security concerns.
The industrial action follows weeks of tension between workers and management over a stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), remittance of union dues, and employment terms affecting contract staff. The union claims negotiations dating back to 2015 remain unresolved despite multiple engagements.
On Friday, February 13, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued interim orders temporarily blocking the planned strike pending a full hearing. However, workers proceeded with a go-slow rather than a complete shutdown.
Union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema warned the disruption could escalate if their demands are not addressed promptly.
He stated “We are going to have a tumultuous week and travellers should prepare for possible interruptions at any time”.
The union insists workers have endured years of delayed salary adjustments and rising living costs, arguing the court order does not resolve underlying grievances. According to the union, failure to recognise certain job grades for union representation remains a major sticking point.
Aviation analysts say the situation could significantly affect regional travel, as the airport serves as East Africa’s primary transit hub connecting international and domestic routes. Passengers travelling for business, tourism, and academic purposes were seen waiting longer than usual at departure halls while airline staff reorganised boarding sequences.
Airport management reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue and urged passengers to arrive early and monitor airline communications.
In a follow-up advisory, officials reassured travellers “Safety and operational standards remain our priority“, adding that discussions with stakeholders were ongoing.
If negotiations fail within the week, the union has threatened to release a full strike timetable, potentially leading to broader disruption across the country’s aviation network.
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Flight Disruptions Reported at JKIA as Aviation Workers Warn of Week-Long Delays
