Thousands of passengers have been affected by significant flight delays and cancellations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, as airport workers continue a go-slow strike.
The industrial action entered its second day on Monday, August 31, 2026, disrupting operations at one of East Africa’s major aviation hubs. Some passengers were reportedly left waiting for more than 12 hours as airlines struggled to maintain normal operations.
The strike was organised by the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU), which says it has several unresolved grievances with aviation authorities and employers.
Among the union’s concerns is the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The union has also accused the Kenya Airports Authority and airline Jambojet of failing to cooperate adequately with workers.
The disruption has affected passengers travelling to both domestic and international destinations. Airlines have experienced difficulties operating flights normally, while travellers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, also cancelled two flights, citing air-traffic-control challenges at Nairobi’s airport.
The Kenya Airports Authority acknowledged that some flights were experiencing delays but did not immediately provide a detailed explanation for the disruptions. Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority and Jambojet also did not respond to requests for comment.
The latest industrial action has created frustration among travellers, some of whom have been forced to remain at the airport for extended periods while waiting for information about their flights.
Union officials said discussions with government representatives were held on Sunday, but the talks failed to immediately resolve the dispute. Further negotiations were scheduled for Monday as authorities and union representatives sought a solution.
The strike comes after another major airport workers’ strike earlier this year caused widespread disruption at Kenya’s main aviation hub. That earlier dispute was eventually resolved after government intervention.
For now, the ongoing action continues to put pressure on airlines, airport authorities and thousands of passengers who rely on JKIA for travel across Kenya, Africa and international destinations.
Authorities and union officials are expected to continue negotiations in an effort to end the disruption and restore normal airport operations.
