The Kenyan government has apologized for the widespread disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after an aviation workers’ strike caused flight delays and cancellations, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
In a statement on August 31, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the government recognized the serious impact the disruption had on passengers, airlines, businesses, and Kenya’s international connectivity.
“The Government recognizes the serious disruption currently affecting operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and the significant impact this situation is having on passengers, airlines, businesses and Kenya’s international connectivity,” said Mudavadi.
The disruption affected flights at Kenya’s busiest airport and other major airports across the country, creating a backlog that left travelers waiting for hours as airlines struggled to adjust schedules.
Impact on Travel and Economy
Kenya Airways reported delays of more than six hours and canceled or rescheduled some flights as the effects of the industrial action spread across its network.
Several international carriers also faced operational challenges, with some flights delayed, diverted, or canceled.
Passengers arriving at JKIA encountered long queues and uncertainty as airlines worked to update customers on changing schedules.
Some travelers spent hours at airport terminals waiting for information while others were forced to alter their travel plans.
The government said it was engaging all parties involved in efforts to restore normal operations and prevent further disruption.
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The apology also highlighted the importance of JKIA as Kenya’s main aviation hub and a key gateway for trade, tourism, investment and diplomacy.
Mudavadi said the government was treating the matter with the urgency it deserved given JKIA’s strategic role in connecting Kenya to the rest of the world.
“JKIA is a critical national gateway and an important hub for Kenya’s trade, tourism, investment, diplomacy and regional connectivity,” he said.
Travelers were advised to keep in touch with their respective airlines for updates on flights and alternative travel arrangements.
Deal Struck to End Strike at JKIA
The breakthrough came after the government and aviation agencies made a series of concessions to the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
Under the return-to-work agreement, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) agreed to immediately remit agency fees owed to the union, while the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) withdrew its earlier guidance on negotiations between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and issued new parameters to facilitate a collective bargaining agreement.
The parties also agreed to respect the court process in an ongoing dispute involving union recognition at Jambojet.
Following the deal, KAWU called off the industrial action and directed its members to resume normal duties with immediate effect.
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KAWU says negotiations for a new KCAA collective bargaining agreement have been stalled since the 2015–2016 deal, leaving five bargaining cycles outstanding.
The union has also raised concerns over job downgrades, employees shifted to lower-pay contracts, alleged anti-union practices, and recognition of staff in Grades 4 and 5.
At KAA, unresolved concerns have included unpaid overtime, delayed confirmation of contract workers, promotion letters and proposed changes to airport functions.
During a 2025 conciliation process, KAA agreed to convert 507 fixed-term employees to permanent and pensionable terms, issue promotion letters, settle Wilson Airport overtime and halt a proposed transfer of Ground Flight Safety functions to KCAA.
JKIA handled 8.6 million passengers in 2025 against a designed capacity of 7.5 million, according to the Kenya Airports Authority, meaning traffic exceeded capacity by about 1.1 million passengers.
The airport also operates a single runway, a limitation that has led authorities to propose additional infrastructure, including expanded terminal facilities, new taxiways, and a second runway.
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