Kenya Airways (KQ) has warned of flight delays and cancellations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a result of protests held by airport workers over a takeover deal by Adani Airport Holdings.
As a result, hundreds of passengers were left stranded at the airport.
According to real time monitoring by FlightRadar24, flight KQ661 from Eldoret to Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways has been cancelled. The flight was scheduled to depart at 9:55 AM.
Additionally, flight KQ205 from Mumbai to Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways has been delayed. It was originally scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM but is now expected to depart at 11:46 AM.
Also, flight KQ604 from Mombasa to Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways has been cancelled. It was scheduled to depart at 10:20 AM.
Flight KQ510 from Accra to Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways is also delayed. It was scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM but is now expected to leave at 1:10 PM.
Also Read: JKIA: Kenya Airways Issues Statement as Airport Workers Strike Grounds Operations
Here’s is a real-time update on latest events in the anti-Adani protests:
2:10 PM: KCCA maintains that air Navigation Services, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, are fully operational and remain unaffected.
“Aircraft operations-both take-offs and landings-are being handled without delays, and efforts are underway to address any backlog swiftly.”
12:40 AM: The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has given a notice to pilots advising that flights leaving from and arriving at JKIA are experiencing delays because of the strike.
11:50 AM: Jambojet says operations at its Terminal 1D are back up.
“Wishes to inform its guests that Terminal 1D is now operational. An update with the new schedule will be shared momentarily, once planning is complete.”
10:47 Am: The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) says it is engaging relevant parties to normalize operations.
“As of 7:00 am, minimal operations had resumed. In the meantime, we are engaging relevant parties to normalize operations.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Meanwhile, we encourage passengers to reach out to their respective airlines to confirm their flight status.”
10:34 AM: Protests begin at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, and Eldoret International Airport, crippling operations.
10:21 AM: Skyward Express Management has issued a notice of flight disruptions because of the ongoing strike.
“We regret to inform you that due to an ongoing strike by airport workers, we are experiencing substantial flight delays and disruptions.
“We strongly recommend checking the status of your scheduled flight with us at 0709 786 000. In the event of a flight cancellation, we will notify you using the respective registered numbers.”
10:20 AM: COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli arrives at JKIA to demand the release of workers who have been arrested.
“We are going into a meeting, and we want the workers who have been arrested to be released. That is part of our conditions. This would have been a simple matter if they would have invited the union to discuss the deal, but our ministers are snubbish,
“In this country, workers are part and parcel of the system. You cannot say you have consulted the stakeholder when the owners of the stake have not been consulted,” said Atwoli.
10:07 AM: Airport workers at Kisumu International Airport join protests.
10:00 AM: Anti-riot police officers have been deployed at JKIA Airport as unrest continues among stranded passengers.
9:40 AM: Police officers are roughing up protesting airport workers at the JKIA premises.
8:02 AM: Jambojet issues a statement over the delays noting that all its flights scheduled to land and take off from the airport have been held until further notice.
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