The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a fresh update on operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as an ongoing industrial action by aviation workers continues to disrupt flight operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, KAA said disruption to Air Traffic Control services was continuing to affect operations at JKIA, with some flights experiencing delays and cancellations.
Passengers have consequently been urged to contact their respective airlines and confirm the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.
The latest update comes hours after Kenya Airways reported flight delays of more than six hours due to a growing flight backlog.
The airline said some flights had been rescheduled or cancelled as it worked to manage the disruption. Passengers were advised to only travel to the airport after confirming that their flights were operating.
Kenya Airways has also urged passengers to update their contact details through its booking channels to ensure they receive the latest notifications regarding changes to their flights.
Passengers wishing to reschedule their flights have been allowed to do so without penalties, as the airline continues efforts to clear the backlog.
Passengers Stranded at JKIA
The disruption has left hundreds of passengers stranded at JKIA, with some travellers spending Sunday night at the airport as they waited for information and assistance from airlines.
The strike began on Sunday after workers under the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) downed their tools at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet.
The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
Dispute Follows Failed Framework Agreement
The latest industrial action follows the collapse of a framework agreement reached on July 27, which had temporarily suspended an earlier strike threat and provided a timetable for negotiations between KAWU and the affected employers.
The renewed strike has since disrupted operations at Kenya’s main aviation hub, affecting passengers and airlines operating through JKIA.
Meanwhile, KAA said it was continuing to work with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to facilitate the safe, secure and orderly operation of the airport.
The authority apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the disruptions, maintaining that the safety and security of passengers, airport users and the wider aviation community remain its highest priority.
