Kenyan airport workers called off a two-day strike on Tuesday that disrupted flights and stranded passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest air transport hubs.
The industrial action, launched by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, forced cancellations and delays across domestic and international flights, leaving travelers waiting for hours or overnight at the airport. Some passengers reported sleeping on the floor while awaiting updates on their flights.
The strike had gone ahead despite a court order prohibiting industrial action, with the union citing unresolved grievances, including the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
The government’s transport ministry brokered an agreement for the union to end its action, stating that operations at JKIA and other airports would return to normal. It remained unclear how quickly services would fully stabilize.
Passengers recounted chaotic conditions. Kenyan traveler Teresa Kamau said she had been stuck at the airport since 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday. Her flight to London, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., was delayed repeatedly, and after five hours on board, she was asked to disembark and wait further instructions. “I just lay on the floor till morning,” Kamau told Reuters.
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Ghanaian travelers Harry Frimpong and his twin brother Garry also faced long delays after rushing to the airport following notifications that their flight would depart. “It’s really an unfortunate situation, but I understand the workers have to demand… their rights,” Harry said.
The strike highlighted ongoing labor tensions in Kenya’s aviation sector, where unions have repeatedly demanded better pay and working conditions. Airport operations play a critical role in Kenya’s economy, supporting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity, making disruptions particularly costly.
Officials said they hoped the agreement would prevent further industrial action and stabilize operations at the Nairobi hub, which handles millions of passengers and cargo annually.
The incident underscores broader challenges in managing labor relations in strategic infrastructure sectors, where disputes can have ripple effects on both domestic and international travel and commerce.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Kenya’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary gateway for both international and domestic air travel. Located in the capital, Nairobi, JKIA handles millions of passengers and hundreds of thousands of metric tons of cargo annually, making it a critical hub for East Africa’s tourism, trade, and business sectors. The airport is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which oversees infrastructure, security, and operations at Kenya’s network of civilian airports.
The aviation sector is a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy. In addition to facilitating tourism—the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner—air transport supports exports such as flowers, horticulture, and perishable goods to Europe and other global markets. JKIA, in particular, functions as a regional hub, connecting East Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as serving as a key stopover for intra-African flights.
Labor relations at Kenya’s airports have historically been sensitive. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union represents ground staff, cargo handlers, and other support employees. Disputes over pay, benefits, and working conditions have occasionally led to strikes, resulting in flight disruptions and economic losses. Previous industrial actions at JKIA have caused delays for both domestic and international travelers, highlighting the strategic importance of stable labor relations in the aviation sector.
The legal framework governing strikes in Kenya requires unions to follow specific procedures before taking industrial action, including obtaining clearance from the Industrial Court. However, strikes sometimes proceed despite court orders, as unions push to have unresolved grievances addressed, particularly around collective bargaining agreements.
In recent years, growth in air traffic at JKIA has increased pressure on infrastructure and staff, amplifying tensions over workload, staffing levels, and compensation. The airport’s role as a regional hub means that labor disputes can have ripple effects across East Africa, affecting airlines, freight operators, and passengers in neighboring countries.
Ensuring operational continuity at JKIA is critical for Kenya’s economic stability and reputation in global air transport. Any disruption can impact tourism, international trade, and cargo exports, particularly perishable goods such as flowers and fresh produce, which require timely delivery to overseas markets. The government and KAA have increasingly sought to engage unions and mediate disputes promptly to avoid protracted strikes that could harm the sector.
