Aviation Workers Strike Shuts Down Kenya's Busiest Airport
Nairobi, 16 February 2026
Airport operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ground to a halt on Monday as aviation union workers launched industrial action over unresolved collective bargaining disputes. The strike affects one of Africa’s major transport hubs, causing widespread flight delays and schedule adjustments. Kenya Airways has issued travel advisories urging passengers not to proceed to the airport without confirmed flight status, whilst the Kenya Airports Authority attempts to implement contingency measures to minimise disruption to regional and international travel.
Strike Escalation After Failed Negotiations
The industrial action represents the culmination of a week-long dispute between aviation workers and authorities. Airport workers issued a seven-day strike notice last week over implementation issues with a collective bargaining agreement signed between the union and the authorities [2]. The labour dispute centres on grievances including the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement between the aviation workers’ union and the civil aviation authority [1]. Workers are demanding better working conditions, as well as better pay and benefits [2]. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority attempted to prevent the strike by approaching the courts last week, but union leadership confirmed the action proceeded as planned [1].
Union Leadership Confirms Full Strike Action
Moss Ndiema, the union’s secretary general, confirmed the comprehensive nature of the industrial action on Monday morning. “This is a complete strike action. I have not been served with any court order halting the strike,” Ndiema told Reuters by phone [1]. The strike affects operations across Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which serves as one of the continent’s major air transport hubs [1] and functions as a major transport hub for regional and international travel, trade and tourism [2]. The Kenya Airports Authority acknowledged the disruption, stating it had put in place contingency measures to minimise disruptions and was engaging stakeholders to resolve the ongoing strike, stressing its openness to constructive dialogue [2].
Immediate Impact on Flight Operations
Major airlines operating from the airport have reported significant operational challenges due to air traffic control delays. Kenya Airways and Tanzania’s Precision Air confirmed that air traffic control delays were affecting departures and arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [1]. Kenya Airways issued a comprehensive travel advisory, stating that air traffic control operation delays were affecting departures and arrivals and that there would be a schedule adjustment [2]. The airline specifically advised passengers: “Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status” [2]. This guidance reflects the unpredictable nature of flight schedules during the ongoing industrial action.
Regional Implications for East African Connectivity
The strike’s impact extends beyond Kenya’s borders, given the airport’s strategic role in East African aviation infrastructure. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as a critical connection point for passengers travelling across the region, including those with connections to refugee resettlement programmes and humanitarian travel [GPT]. The disruption affects not only commercial passengers but also potentially impacts aid organisations and international agencies that rely on the airport for operations across East Africa [GPT]. With the airport being one of Africa’s major transport hubs, the industrial action creates ripple effects throughout the regional aviation network, affecting connecting flights and international travel schedules across multiple countries in the region [1][2].