Aviation Workers’ Strike Leaves Hundreds of Passengers Stranded at Kenyan Airports

Hundreds of travellers have been left stranded at airports across Kenya following industrial action by air traffic controllers and staff working under the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The strike has disrupted flight operations at major airports, forcing airlines to delay, reschedule or reorganise several flights as workers push for better pay, improved working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.

At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa, normal operations were significantly affected, with passengers forced to wait for hours as airlines struggled to manage the disruptions.

Among those affected were Daystar University students scheduled to travel to South Korea for an academic trip. The students said the delays had left them uncertain about their travel arrangements.

The industrial action follows a go-slow by aviation workers who have raised concerns over remuneration, staffing levels and working conditions. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) says attempts to resolve the grievances have not yielded the desired results.

KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema said the union had previously agreed on a framework for employers to address the workers’ concerns, but disagreements over the implementation of the arrangement led to another strike notice.

The disruption has also affected passengers with connecting flights, families travelling with children and travellers with fixed international travel schedules. Some have reported missed connections, cancelled plans and additional costs resulting from the delays.

The Kenya Airports Authority has called for dialogue between the parties, saying efforts are underway to reduce the impact of the strike while negotiations continue.

The disruption is also taking a toll on businesses linked to the aviation and tourism sectors. Tour operators and taxi operators have reported financial losses as the uncertainty around flight operations continues.