Flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya’s primary international gateway, were disrupted on Monday as members of the aviation workers’ union launched a strike over unresolved grievances.
The labour action comes amid a dispute between the union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, primarily over the failure to finalise a collective bargaining agreement. The strike notice, issued last week for seven days, has already affected airlines including Kenya Airways and Tanzania’s Precision Air, with delays reported in both departures and arrivals.
Union Secretary General Moss Ndiema told Reuters that the strike is “complete” and has not been halted by any court order. The civil aviation authority had approached the courts in an attempt to block the industrial action, citing potential disruption to critical air transport services.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is one of Africa’s major aviation hubs, connecting Kenya to key regional and international destinations. Airlines warned passengers of delays and cancellations as air traffic control services were affected by the labour action.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions in Kenya’s aviation sector, where labour negotiations have periodically stalled, raising concerns over operational disruptions and the broader impact on regional travel and commerce.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Kenya’s largest airport and one of the busiest in East Africa, serving as a key hub for regional and international air traffic. It handles millions of passengers annually and is critical for trade, tourism, and business connectivity in the region.
The airport is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority, while air traffic control and safety oversight fall under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The sector employs a mix of aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, ground staff, and technical personnel, many of whom are unionised.
Labour disputes in Kenya’s aviation sector are not uncommon, often arising over pay, working conditions, and delays in concluding collective bargaining agreements. Strikes can significantly disrupt operations, causing flight delays, cancellations, and ripple effects for regional connectivity and the tourism industry.
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Kenya Airways, the country’s national carrier, along with other regional airlines, relies on stable operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Industrial actions affecting airport staff or air traffic control can quickly impact both domestic and international flights, highlighting the importance of timely labour negotiations in maintaining the reliability of East Africa’s aviation network.
The strike on February 16, 2026, underscores ongoing challenges in balancing employee demands with operational efficiency, and reflects the broader pressures on East Africa’s aviation sector amid growing passenger numbers and rising regional connectivity.
