NAIROBI, Kenya- Hundreds of passengers faced another night of uncertainty at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after talks between the government and aviation workers failed to produce a deal to end the ongoing strike.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) strike entered its second day on Monday, disrupting flights at Kenya’s main international gateway and leaving passengers stranded, with some spending the night at the airport.
Negotiations between the union and government representatives continued into Monday evening but remained unresolved.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said earlier discussions with government officials had failed to settle the workers’ grievances, with further talks expected as the strike continued.
The dispute involves workers at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Jambojet.
The union has cited unresolved employment issues, including a stalled collective bargaining agreement with KCAA and what it says is inadequate cooperation from KAA and Jambojet.
The strike has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travellers.
Kenya Airways said delays had exceeded six hours on Monday and that the accumulated backlog had forced the airline to reschedule and cancel some flights. The carrier advised passengers to confirm their flights before travelling to JKIA.
Some travellers have been left facing missed connections and additional accommodation and transport costs.
One passenger told the Daily Nation that a connecting flight to Australia had been cancelled twice, while another reported spending more than $2,000 as a result of the disruption.
Airlines have begun moving some stranded passengers to hotels as the disruption continues, although many travellers remained uncertain about when they would be able to resume their journeys.
The disruption has extended beyond Nairobi, with passengers at airports in Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret also affected by delays and cancellations.
The government on Monday apologised for the disruption and said it was engaging all parties involved in an effort to restore normal airport operations.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government’s immediate priority was the safe and orderly restoration of operations while seeking a lasting solution to the dispute.
JKIA is a key regional aviation hub, serving as an important gateway for Kenya’s tourism, trade, investment and international connectivity.
With negotiations yet to yield a breakthrough, thousands of passengers remain dependent on airlines for updates as the aviation workers’ strike continues.
