The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off its strike, which disrupted flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), after reaching an agreement with the government and airport and aviation authorities.
Under a Return-to-Work Agreement signed on Tuesday, September 1, KAWU directed all affected employees to resume their normal duties immediately.
“The employees shall resume their respective duties and cooperate with management to ensure the immediate restoration and continuity of normal operations,” the agreement states.
The agreement provides for the immediate remittance of agency fees due to KAWU and currently held by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Flights to Resume at JKIA
On the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) withdrew its earlier guidance issued on July 28, 2026, and issued new parameters on September 1.
KAWU said it had reservations about the new SRC guidelines but agreed to proceed with CBA negotiations with KCAA immediately.
KCAA management committed to honouring and implementing the outcome of the negotiations.
The dispute between KAWU and Jambojet over a recognition agreement will remain before the courts. The parties agreed to await the court’s determination and abide by the decision and any resulting directives.
Jambojet also committed to complying with all applicable legal and procedural requirements relating to trade union recognition.
The agreement further provides that no employee will be victimized, intimidated, discriminated against or subjected to disciplinary action because of their participation in the industrial action.
The parties have also committed to maintaining industrial peace and resolving outstanding matters through consultation, negotiations and established dispute resolution mechanisms.
The aviation workers’ strike that started on Sunday disrupted air travel across Kenya, affecting operations at major airports including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and Kisumu International Airport.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Cancels Flights as JKIA Delays Top Six Hours
Jambojet Gives Update
Jambojet has announced the resumption of normal flight operations after air traffic controllers (ATC) ended their strike on Tuesday, September 1.
In an update issued at 6:30 a.m., the airline said it would restore its flight schedule as it works through the backlog caused by the disruption.
“Guests may experience some delays as we progressively restore the flight schedule and manage guests’ movements,” Jambojet said.
The airline added that passengers whose travel plans were affected can change or rebook their flights at no additional cost.
Passengers seeking to change their bookings have been advised to email [email protected] for assistance with available options.
Jambojet said affected passengers would receive flight specific updates through SMS, while additional information would be provided through its official social media platforms.
Travelling Disrupted
KAA on Monday, August 31 warned travellers to expect delays affecting some departing flights as the industrial action continued.
Kenya Airways also issued an advisory to passengers, attributing delays at JKIA to operational constraints within Air Traffic Control (ATC) services.
“The ongoing delays into and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are due to operational constraints within Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services,” the airline said.
Also Read: Major JKIA Disruption Hit Kenya Airways, Qatar and Emirates Flights
The disruption was reflected on flight status platforms, with several Kenya Airways services listed as delayed, cancelled or diverted.
Affected international routes included Mumbai, Addis Ababa, Dubai, Juba, Kigali, Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Lubumbashi, while some regional and domestic flights were also affected.
Kenya Airways flight KQ205 to Mumbai was listed as cancelled at 10:30 a.m., while KQ401 to Addis Ababa was also cancelled at 12:40 p.m.
Other Kenya Airways services to Dubai, Juba, Kigali and Kinshasa recorded delays, alongside flights to Mombasa, Bujumbura, Johannesburg and Lusaka.
KQ584 to Lubumbashi was listed as diverted, while Gulf Air flight GF707 to Bahrain was cancelled and Air Arabia flight G9734 to Sharjah was delayed.
Passengers travelling through JKIA were advised to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport as the disruption continued.
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