Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi faced lengthy delays on Sunday after air traffic controllers and airport workers resumed industrial action over unresolved labor disputes. The workers’ union cited concerns including unpaid wages, job security and working conditions. The strike follows an earlier dispute in February that left thousands of passengers stranded before government intervention temporarily eased the situation. Passengers reported cancelled or significantly delayed departures. International student Nicole Jepkorir said her scheduled 4 p.m. flight had been pushed back to midnight because of the disruption.
The Kenya Airports Authority said it was working to minimize the impact of the strike, but travelers continued to face revised flight schedules and long waits at the airport. Government officials and union representatives failed to reach an agreement during talks on Sunday, with negotiations expected to resume on Monday. The dispute has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of Kenya’s aviation sector to labor disruptions, particularly at JKIA, the country’s main international gateway and a major regional aviation hub. Passengers have been advised to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport as negotiations continue.
