Jambojet warns of more flight delays as it clears backlog, distances staff from strike

Jambojet has warned passengers to expect continued flight delays as it works to clear a backlog of flights triggered by the recent industrial action by air traffic control staff across Kenya.

The airline said normal scheduled operations are expected to resume by Wednesday, September 2, after the strike affecting operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports nationwide was called off.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jambojet said its flight crews, ground personnel and customer support teams remained on duty throughout the disruption and did not participate in the strike or a go-slow.

The airline also sought to distance its employees from the labour dispute, saying it does not have a recognition agreement with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), and that the union therefore cannot represent or negotiate on behalf of its staff.

“Our teams are now working through the resulting flight backlog to restore normal operations,” the airline said.

“Customers should expect some continued delays as schedules are restored, and we anticipate resuming normal scheduled operations by Wednesday, 2nd September 2026.”

Jambojet said passengers whose flights were affected would be allowed to rebook at no additional cost.

The airline added that its customer service and communications teams were providing regular updates to affected passengers through SMS and email, while its call centre remains available around the clock to handle inquiries.

The disruptions followed industrial action by air traffic control staff, which affected flight operations at JKIA and other airports before the strike was called off after an agreement was reached with the government early Tuesday morning.

KAWU signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, committing to resume normal duties immediately after implementation of the agreement. 

Under the agreement, the aviation workers’ union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) shall proceed with Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations immediately, with the KCAA management mandated to honor and implement the outcome of the CBA negotiations.

KAWU also wants a recognition agreement with Jambojet, a matter that will await determination by the court. 

The strike that began on Sunday had paralysed operations at Kenyan airports including the JKIA, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and the Kisumu International Airport.