Kenya Airways flights delayed as aviation workers strike over pay
NAIROBI — Travel chaos has hit the main Airport of Kenya as aviation workers launched a strike over pay and working conditions, causing hours of delays at one of Africa’s busiest transport hubs.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi experienced departure delays of up to four hours Wednesday after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union began industrial action at 6 a.m. local time. Some passengers reported sitting aboard aircraft for extended periods awaiting takeoff clearance.
Kenya Airways confirmed “air traffic control operational delays” were affecting flights and advised passengers to expect schedule adjustments. The airline apologized for disruptions while working with authorities to maintain safety.
Union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema told local media the strike created a “big backlog” with planes “hardly leaving the airports.”
A Kenyan senator traveling from Kisumu said he resorted to road travel after waiting hours in vain.
The Kenya Airports Authority activated contingency plans and urged passengers to contact airlines for updates.
Workers accuse the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority of stalling salary negotiations for over a decade.
The KCAA sought court orders to halt the strike, with a labor court suspending action pending further directions.
JKIA handles approximately nine million passengers annually and serves as a key gateway between Africa and the world.
