NAIROBI, Kenya — Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa’s primary aviation hub, faced severe disruptions on Monday as airport workers launched a strike over unresolved labor disputes. The industrial action resulted in significant flight delays and left thousands of passengers stranded both inside and outside terminal facilities.
Kenya Airways, the nation’s flag carrier, proactively issued a travel advisory urging passengers to verify their flight status before proceeding to the airport. The airline confirmed experiencing substantial operational delays affecting both departures and arrivals, necessitating comprehensive schedule adjustments. “Passengers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the carrier emphasized in its official statement.
The Kenya Airports Authority implemented contingency measures to mitigate the disruption’s impact while attempting to negotiate with striking workers. Authorities expressed commitment to constructive dialogue to resolve the impasse. The labor action followed a breakdown in implementing previously agreed terms between the workers’ union and management regarding improved compensation and working conditions.
Travelers reported extensive waiting periods, with one anonymous passenger confirming a six-hour delay with no resolution in sight. The situation created visible congestion throughout airport facilities, highlighting the strike’s immediate impact on one of Africa’s most critical transportation nodes for both regional and international travel.