Passengers stranded at Kenyan airports after aviation workers strike

The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.

The industrial action has disrupted flight operations, with several airlines delaying or rescheduling flights.

A standard morning travel schedule quickly turned into a nightmare for hundreds of travellers across major Kenyan airports.

From the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, operations ground to a near halt.

The usually busy departure area was unusually quiet, with hundreds of passengers forced to wait for hours as the strike by air traffic controllers and Kenya airport authority staff disrupted normal airport operations. Airlines have been forced to delay some flights.

Among those affected are Daystar University students who were bound for South Korea on an academic trip

“We were headed to South Korea for an academic trip, and these delays have really affected us. We just don't know what to do next... we hope this is going to be sorted soonest,” said Nicole Jepkorir, a student at Daystar University.

The disruption follows a go slow by air traffic controllers and other airport staff from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Kenya Airports Authority. The workers say they have been pushing for better remuneration, improved working conditions, and adequate staffing 

“We agreed on a framework for each employer to sit down and handle the grievances. Apart from KAA, the other three refused to address our issues, which forced us to issue another strike notice on Friday,” said KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema.

For some passengers, the delays have meant missed connections, cancelled travel plans and additional expenses.

Families travelling with children and passengers connecting to international destinations have been particularly affected, as airlines struggle to reorganise their schedules.

Kenya Airport Authority has called for dialogue between the parties, warning that prolonged disruption could have wider consequences for passengers, airlines and the aviation industry.

Management says efforts are being made to minimize the impact of the strike while negotiations continue.
Tour operators and taxi businesses are lamenting severe financial losses as the gridlock threatens the local tourism industry.

With both sides dug into their positions and thousands of travelers bearing the brunt of the stalemate, all eyes now turn to the relevant ministries and transport stakeholders to broker an urgent truce.