[PHOTOS] Scenes at JKIA during aviation workers strike

Tension and uncertainty gripped sections of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a strike by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) disrupted normal operations, leaving passengers stranded and anxious.

However, there was relief later after aviation workers formally called off the strike following the signing of a return-to-work formula, paving the way for the gradual normalisation of operations at JKIA.

Outside parts of the terminal, weary travellers were seen seated on pavements, many passing time on their mobile phones as they waited for updates.

Some leaned against their luggage while scrolling through gadgets, while others stared blankly at flight information screens, visibly stressed by the unfolding situation.

Inside the usually bustling facility, activity at both departures and arrivals appeared subdued. Sections of the normally crowded terminals were unusually quiet, with only a trickle of passengers moving through the airport corridors.

Stranded passengers at the JKIA during the Tuesday strikeon February 17, 2026 /EZEKIEL AMING'A

Flight operations at JKIA continued to experience disruptions for the second consecutive day as workers sustained their industrial action, triggering cancellations, delays and diversions that reportedly left some passengers stranded.

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

Stranded passengers at the JKIA during the Tuesday strike on February 17, 2026 /EZEKIEL AMING'A

Stranded passengers at the JKIA during the Tuesday strike on February 17, 2026 /EZEKIEL AMING'A

Stranded passengers at the JKIA during the Tuesday strike on February 17, 2026 /EZEKIEL AMING'A