Passengers stranded as strike disrupts flights at Kenya's main airport

Passengers were stranded at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Tuesday as a workers’ strike continued to disrupt flights for the second consecutive day. The industrial action, involving air traffic control personnel, has led to widespread delays and cancellations, leaving hundreds of travelers stuck at the country’s primary aviation hub. Airlines including Kenya Airways and RwandAir have announced flight disruptions, while passengers described long waits and uncertainty over their travel plans. The strike began after a failed round of negotiations between union representatives and airport management, which ended without resolution on Monday. A new set of talks was scheduled for Tuesday but did not materialize. Workers are demanding improved working conditions and the enforcement of a previously agreed-upon contract, citing unresolved grievances related to collective bargaining and the use of volunteer labor. The dispute follows similar strikes in early February, which also centered on these issues. At JKIA, the situation has grown increasingly tense as passengers remain trapped in terminals, many having spent the previous night waiting for updates. Some travelers have resorted to sleeping in check-in areas or nearby hotels, hoping for news of rescheduled flights. Kenya Airways issued a statement acknowledging the impact of the strike, noting that delays exceed six hours and that some flights have been canceled. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and assured affected passengers they could reschedule their journeys without additional charges. Flight tracking platforms such as Flightradar24 confirmed numerous delays, cancellations, and rerouted flights originating from JKIA. RwandAir, which operates international routes through the airport, canceled two flights on Tuesday due to “operational constraints” linked to the ongoing strike. Earlier on Sunday, the airline had already canceled two other flights, compounding the difficulties faced by passengers. Among those affected was Mendel Goldman, a traveler heading to a wedding in Florida. His flight was canceled after multiple delays, forcing him to wait for 12 hours at the airport. He expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication and the limited options available to stranded passengers. “The earliest flight they can get us is only tomorrow night,” he said. “We’ve got to wait. We’re going to try and make most of it, but in the meantime, I’ve been here for 12 hours now.” Another passenger, William Obino, a 22-year-old traveler, described the experience as chaotic. “Nothing is happening, updates are reaching us late. It’s ruining our itinerary.” Many others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among travelers caught in the middle of the dispute. JKIA is one of the busiest airports in East Africa, handling nearly nine million passengers annually last year, according to official figures. Its role as a critical link between Africa and global destinations makes the current disruptions particularly impactful. However, the airport has faced recurring strikes in recent years, with workers consistently pushing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. These disputes often stem from perceived failures by management to honor existing agreements or address underlying grievances. Despite the challenges, both sides have shown willingness to engage in dialogue. Union leaders emphasized that the strike would continue until their demands are met, while airport officials reiterated their commitment to resolving the issue through further negotiations. As the standoff continues, the focus remains on finding a resolution that addresses the workers’ concerns without causing prolonged disruption to the region’s vital transportation network. Authorities have yet to announce specific timelines for resuming normal operations at JKIA. In the meantime, passengers remain hopeful for clarity and solutions that will allow them to proceed with their travel plans.