Air travel disruptions persisted across Kenya on the second day of a strike by airport workers, as flight delays and cancellations mounted following an industrial action triggered by unresolved labour and employment disputes with aviation authorities.
Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi were again slowed as unionised staff stayed off duty, affecting ground handling, passenger processing, and sections of airside support services. Travellers faced extended waiting times, missed connections, and last-minute schedule changes as airlines adjusted departures and arrivals to match reduced operational capacity.
The strike was called by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which says workers are protesting unresolved grievances over employment terms, staffing conditions, and delays in concluding a collective bargaining agreement.
Union officials have also raised concerns about contract classifications, alleging that some roles that should be permanent have remained on temporary terms, affecting pay, benefits, and job security. According to union representatives, prior negotiations with the Kenya Airports Authority and other aviation agencies failed to produce binding commitments, prompting the walkout after a formal notice period expired.
Passengers reported crowded terminals and long queues, with airline service counters overwhelmed by rebooking requests. Some domestic and regional flights were postponed or cancelled, while several international services were delayed due to gaps in ground support and processing functions. A number of airlines advised customers to check flight status before travelling to the airport as uncertainty continued into the second day.
Airport and government officials said emergency contingency measures had been activated to maintain essential and safety-critical operations, stressing that flights would only operate where minimum regulatory staffing levels are met. Authorities confirmed that talks with union leaders were ongoing, but no settlement had been reached as of the latest update.
Industry observers warn that if the strike continues, the impact could extend beyond passenger inconvenience to cargo movement, tourism flows, and regional connectivity, given Kenya’s role as a major East African aviation hub. Airlines are preparing for possible extended disruption while negotiations continue between labour representatives and airport authorities.
