Passengers Stranded as JKIA Disruptions Stretch Into Second Day

Flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) continued to face significant disruptions for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as workers from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) sustained their industrial action. The ongoing strike resulted in flight cancellations, delays, and diversions, leaving some passengers stranded at the country’s main aviation hub.

Although a limited number of aircraft were cleared for landing and departure in the early morning hours, several flights were delayed, cancelled, or redirected to alternative destinations, including Wilson Airport, according to airport sources and flight tracking data.

Data from flight tracking platform Flightradar24 showed multiple aircraft holding within Nairobi airspace or adjusting their schedules as operations slowed due to limited staffing. Among the affected carriers was EgyptAir, whose aircraft was observed diverting to Wilson Airport.

Quiet Terminals, Anxious Travellers

At the usually bustling JKIA facility, activity in both departure and arrival areas appeared subdued. Sections of the normally crowded terminals were largely quiet, with relatively few passengers moving through the airport.

Some travellers were seen seated on their luggage awaiting updates, while others paced through terminals or attempted to rebook their journeys. Several check-in counters remained closed, with only a limited number of airline desks operating intermittently.

“I have been here since last night, and no one is giving clear information,” said a passenger scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways.

As limited operations resumed in phases, some passengers were processed individually. Arriving travellers were also affected, with some flights landing hours later than scheduled.

Among those seen at the arrivals area was Faith Kipyegon, who arrived later than expected due to inbound delays.

Heightened Security, Safety Prioritised

Security presence at the airport appeared heightened, with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) deployed across various points of the facility. The officers remained on standby as a precautionary measure to maintain order and safeguard critical installations.

Airport officials indicated that during operational disruptions, priority is typically given to aircraft already airborne to minimise safety risks and prevent airspace congestion.

“Safety of aircraft and passengers remains the top priority. When operations are limited, landing flights are handled first before departures are gradually scheduled,” said an official who declined to be named.

The industrial action has disrupted both domestic and international flight operations.

Union Grievances Against KCAA

The strike was called by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which cited multiple grievances involving KCAA management.

In a statement, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the industrial action followed what the union described as the authority’s failure to negotiate and conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) since 2015.

“The last CBA lapsed in 2015, and despite persistent pleas from the union, management has refused to negotiate subsequent agreements,” Ndiema said.

“Terms and conditions of service for unionisable employees have remained stagnant for over ten years.”

The union further alleged that KCAA had declined to deduct and remit union dues for employees in Grades 4 and 5 who had expressed willingness to join the union.

“Management has violated the constitutional right of employees to join a union as provided under Article 41 of the Constitution,” Ndiema said.

KAWU also raised concerns over what it described as prolonged reliance on contract and temporary employment arrangements for positions it considers permanent in nature.

“Workers are engaged on contracts for years, terminated and later re-engaged on inferior terms compared to their colleagues on permanent terms,” Ndiema stated.

“This denies employees the right to decent work and equal pay for work of equal value.”

Additional grievances cited include the development and implementation of new human resource instruments without consultation, alleged job downgrading resulting in pay reductions, and practices the union characterised as unfavourable to its members.

KAWU further alleged non-compliance with a court order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court directing the authority to renew the contract of a flight operations inspector.

“We demand full compliance with the court order, including renewal of the contract and payment of all dues as ordered,” Ndiema said.

Industry Concern Grows

The prolonged disruptions have raised concerns among aviation industry players, who warn that extended operational challenges could have broader implications for enya’s aviation sector.

JKIA serves as a key transit hub for passengers and cargo across East and Central Africa, handling thousands of travellers daily.

Tour operators and logistics firms said the uncertainty was already affecting bookings and supply chains.

“Every hour of disruption affects businesses, especially cargo operations,” said a logistics agent at the airport.

“Perishable goods, medical supplies and exports depend on reliable air transport.”

Airlines have advised passengers to verify flight status before heading to the airport and to contact customer service desks for rebooking options

Kenya Airways said it was working to manage the situation and minimise inconvenience to customers.

“We regret the disruption caused to our guests and are closely monitoring the situation while providing updates through our official communication channels,” the airline said in a customer advisory.