NAIROBI, Kenya — Flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s busiest aviation hub, experienced delays on Monday, February 16, 2026, after aviation workers initiated industrial action, affecting arrivals and departures.
The labour dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) over unresolved worker grievances led to the action.
Despite a Labour Court injunction temporarily blocking the strike, some union members went ahead with the work stoppage, resulting in disruptions to air traffic control operations and airport procedures.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), departing flights were delayed as a result of the dispute, and passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules.
Contingency plans were activated in an effort to maintain safe operations despite reduced staffing.
Kenya Airways and other carriers confirmed that some arrivals and departures at JKIA were affected, warning travellers to expect schedule adjustments and delays.
Passengers expressed frustration over long queues and uncertainty at check‑in areas as services slowed.
Root of the Dispute
KAWU issued a seven‑day strike notice earlier in the month citing stalled negotiations with KCAA on issues including the failure to finalise a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), delayed salary reviews, contract worker rights, and recognition of unionisable staff — matters the union says have remained unresolved since as far back as 2015.
Union leaders claimed the dispute has created hardship for aviation staff who have not seen pay adjustments despite years of service, and they warned that failure to resolve the issues could severely disrupt airport operations nationwide.
In response, KCAA said it had activated measures to manage operational continuity and uphold safety standards across Kenya’s airports.
The authority said it remains committed to engaging in dialogue within the law to resolve the labour dispute without compromising aviation safety or security.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court is set to revisit the dispute later this month, with both sides expected to present further arguments before a final ruling.
