The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has issued a statement on the ongoing industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), including Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, which has caused major operational disruptions at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and across Kenya’s airspace.
In a statement dated February 17, 2026, KALPA Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary, Captain Murithi Nyagah, stated that the ongoing industrial action has caused flight delays and disruptions at JKIA, affecting passengers and stakeholders.
“The resultant flight delays, diversions, and cancellations have understandably caused inconvenience to passengers and stakeholders within the aviation sector,” KALPA said.
KALPA emphasised that the foremost responsibility of professional aviators is the safety of the flying public, crew, and aircraft.
Crew Fatigue and Duty Limits
The pilots’ association expressed concern that the ongoing disruptions could negatively affect crew scheduling and rest, thereby increasing the risk of fatigue.
“In this context, strict adherence to established Flight Duty Period (FDP) limits and accepted safety management practices is essential. These regulatory safeguards exist to mitigate operational and safety risks,” KALPA said.
KALPA further noted that the association’s operations cannot compromise these limits under any circumstances, regardless of the disruptions caused by the industrial action.
KALPA Call for Dialogue and Constructive Engagement
While acknowledging the challenges currently facing the aviation sector, KALPA reiterated that labour matters should be addressed with respect, dialogue, and good-faith planning.
Also Read: Aviation Workers Serve 7-Day Strike Notice to KCAA
“Meaningful engagement aimed at resolving the root causes of workplace dissatisfaction must be at the centre of this process,” the statement read.
KALPA urged the government and relevant authorities to engage constructively with all stakeholders to address the disruptions or their underlying grievances.
This, the association said, is necessary to restore normal operations and ensure continuity across Kenya’s aviation sector.
“KALPA remains committed to professionalism, safety, and constructive industrial engagement in pursuit of a stable, resilient, and thriving aviation sector in Kenya.”
JKIA Traffic Disruptions
The confusion and paralysis at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) entered the second day after aviation workers downed their tools on Monday, February 16.
Also Read: Flight Delays Hit JKIA, Kenya Airways Gives Way Forward to Passengers
Departures and arrivals were hard hit, leaving passengers in long queues. Aircraft were grounded, and travellers were forced to use road and rail for domestic travel.
Jambojet Airlines has issued a public announcement to its customers, stating that the airline will not resume operations at JKIA.
In a statement dated February 17, the airline stated that the decision is due to the industrial action by KAWU, which has affected air traffic control.
“Kindly do not proceed to the airport for your scheduled flight until you receive a further update from us regarding your flight status. We will continue to provide timely communication via SMS, email, and our official social media platforms as soon as more information becomes available.”
Kenya Airways (KQ) and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) warned of more delays and schedule changes as operations remain constrained.
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