NAIROBI, Kenya — Air travellers faced major disruptions on the second day of a go-slow and partial strike by airport workers tied to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), leaving passengers stranded, flights delayed, and airline schedules thrown into chaos at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other regional airports.
The ongoing labour action, launched after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a strike notice earlier this month, has slowed down essential aviation operations, particularly air traffic control functions, even as authorities activate contingency plans to maintain core safety and navigation services.
Stranded Passengers, Delayed Flights
Travelers at JKIA reported long waits and uncertainty as some departures and arrivals were delayed or rescheduled.
Airlines have urged passengers to check flight statuses before travelling to the airport, while those already at terminals faced limited information and logistical challenges.
According to an update from the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), air traffic control delays triggered by the go-slow are affecting scheduled flights, both domestic and international, and passengers are being advised to confirm their flight status via airline platforms and official communications.
In Kisumu, similar scenes unfolded as travelers waited anxiously for updates, expressing frustration at the lack of reliable communication and the broader impact on their travel plans.
Taxi operators and airport vendors also reported sharp declines in business as arrivals and departures stalled.
Flights Delayed, Passengers Stranded:Empty runways and quiet hallways at JKIA as Kenya aviation workers downed their tools.The workers have threatened further action until the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority heeds to their demands.#NTVTonight @zeynabIsmail @NginaKirori
Contingency Measures Activated
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority says it has deployed contingency plans meant to uphold critical aviation safety and air navigation functions even as workers slow down operations.
Director General Emile Arao said these measures aim to keep services running as smoothly and safely as possible under the circumstances.
KCAA has also said that passenger backlogs are being cleared “in a structured and prioritised manner” and that it expects normal flight schedules to resume as soon as feasible.
Jambojet Issues Alert to Customers
In response to the ongoing disruptions, Kenyan low-cost carrier Jambojet issued an alert to customers, urging travellers to check flight statuses and monitor communications from the airline for real-time updates.
“We regret to inform you of flight disruptions on 17th February 2026 following the industrial action by KAWU, affecting air traffic control,” reads the notice.
Jambojet emphasised that passengers should avoid traveling to the airport without confirmed flight information, given the rapidly evolving congestion and scheduling delays.
“Please be assured that we are doing everything within our control to minimize the impact on your journey and to keep you informed every step of the way,” said the airline.
Travel Advisory: Update 2 on Flight Disruptions.
Root of the Labour Dispute
The industrial action stems from a deepening labour dispute between aviation workers and management over longstanding grievances, including delays in implementing collective bargaining agreements that the union says have been pending for more than a decade, contested employment terms for contract staff, and stalled negotiations on working conditions.
Despite a temporary court order issued earlier this week that barred aviation workers from proceeding with a full strike while legal processes play out, the ongoing slowdown has slowed airport operations and frustrated travellers.
Wider Impact on Travel and Trade
JKIA is one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs and a critical gateway for tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity.
Disruptions at the facility therefore ripple beyond individual passengers to affect airlines, cargo operations, travel agencies,s and local service providers dependent on stable aviation activity.
Authorities have urged calm and cooperation, emphasising a commitment to both aviation safety and labour law compliance while pushing for continued dialogue to resolve the dispute and restore normalcy.
