Flight delays were reported at the JKIA on Monday as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) strike entered its second day/SCREENGRABFlights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across Kenya remained heavily delayed or cancelled on Monday as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) strike entered its second day.
A new round of talks between the unions and airport managers were underway on Monday as efforts intensified to end the strike.
However, negotiations held on Sunday broke up without an agreement, leaving passengers facing another day of uncertainty over their travel plans.
Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at JKIA as disruptions to airport operations continued, with airlines warning travellers to expect delays and possible cancellations.
The strike began on Sunday after aviation workers under KAWU declared a go-slow across Kenyan airports, demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
The industrial action severely disrupted operations at major airports, with JKIA in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa among facilities affected.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has faced criticism over what critics described as its public silence as the strike entered its second day.
The ministry had not formally announced a direct meeting or issued a detailed statement on the status of the negotiations, although other government officials indicated that efforts were underway to reach a settlement.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei said the broader government was working towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The disruption affected both domestic and international travel, with airlines notifying passengers of delays resulting from the ongoing industrial action.
On Sunday, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and national carrier Kenya Airways warned passengers that departing flights could be delayed as the strike disrupted operations.
KAA said the disruption to Air Traffic Control services was continuing to affect flight operations at JKIA and urged passengers to confirm their flight status with airlines before travelling to the airport.
“Kenya Airports Authority PLC (KAA) wishes to advise passengers and other airport users that the ongoing disruption to Air Traffic Control services continues to affect flight operations at JKIA,” the authority said.
“Passengers are therefore strongly advised to contact their respective airlines and confirm the status of their flights in advance before travelling to the airport,” KAA urged.
Most airlines operating from JKIA have confirmed disruptions, advising passengers to check for updates before making their way to the airport.
The strike has created significant uncertainty for passengers, with some travellers arriving at the airport only to find their flights delayed or cancelled.
The aviation workers' action has also raised concerns about the wider economic impact of prolonged disruption at Kenya's main international gateway.
JKIA handles a significant share of Kenya's international passenger and cargo traffic, making uninterrupted operations critical to tourism, trade and business.
The industrial action comes as KAWU pushes for the implementation of employment-related agreements and improvements in the welfare of aviation workers.
Workers have maintained that their demands are aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring that previously agreed benefits are honoured.
