NAIROBI, Kenya — The industrial action by aviation workers that began on Monday, causing widespread flight delays and disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other Kenyan airports, has now been called off following negotiations between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the Transport Ministry.
The strike followed a 7‑day notice issued on February 9, 2026, in which KAWU accused the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) of failing to implement collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) pending since 2015, delaying union dues remittances and discriminating against contract staff.
The industrial action, which entered its second day before being called off, had led to cancellations, long delays and stranded passengers, particularly at Kenya’s busiest aviation hub, disrupting travel and cargo operations and affecting key international and domestic carriers.
In response to the initial strike notice, aviation authorities activated contingency measures to keep airspace and essential services operational, while airlines warned passengers to check flight statuses amid the chaos.
Union representatives and officials from the Ministry of Transport and Labour held talks that culminated in the withdrawal of the industrial action, with indications that workers’ concerns will now be addressed through the Collective Bargaining Agreement framework in ongoing negotiations.
The resolution is expected to restore normal airport operations and provide relief to travellers who faced lengthy delays at terminals, bringing an end to what had been a significant disruption in Kenya’s aviation sector.
