Kenyan aviation workers' strike disrupts flights
The aviation authority had sought court intervention in an attempt to halt the strike.
A workers’ strike on Monday disrupted flight operations at Kenya’s main airport, causing delays to departures and arrivals in the capital, Nairobi.
National carrier Kenya Airways said air traffic control delays were affecting some flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.
The disruption follows an industrial dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority over unresolved worker grievances, including delays in concluding a collective bargaining agreement and demands for permanent and pensionable employment terms.
According to union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema, the strike began at 6 a.m., affecting airline operations and causing congestion at airports across the country.
Grounded planes
“There’s a big backlog. Planes are hardly leaving,” Ndiema told local newspaper Daily Nation.
Kenya’s main airline issued a travel advisory, urging customers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Kenya Airways said air traffic control operation delays were affecting departures and arrivals and that there would be a schedule adjustment.
“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the airline said.
The Kenya Airports Authority said it had put in place contingency measures to minimize disruptions and was engaging stakeholders to resolve the ongoing strike, stressing its openness to constructive dialogue.
The union had issued a seven-day strike notice last week, warning it would proceed with industrial action if authorities failed to address outstanding concerns. The aviation authority had sought court intervention in an attempt to halt the strike.
Union officials say the walkout became necessary after years of unresolved disputes, warning the action could severely disrupt civil aviation services nationwide if the standoff continues.