Aviation Worker Strike Halts Operations at Moi International Airport

An aviation workers strike has halted operations at Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa, creating significant disruptions for both passenger and cargo flights. The industrial action affects Kenya's second-largest airport, a critical hub for coastal tourism and regional commerce.

Operational Impact

The strike, reportedly organized by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), has led to the suspension of ground handling, air traffic control, and other essential airport services. The airport's operator, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has not yet issued a detailed statement on the expected duration of the stoppage. The disruption impacts an airport that has seen substantial growth, with passenger traffic increasing by 23.2% in 2023, according to the 2024 Economic Survey. Furthermore, cargo throughput at MBA surged by 64.3% to 4,806.6 tonnes in 2024, as reported in the Economic Survey 2025, highlighting the strike's potential economic consequences.

Context of Labor Disputes

This event is consistent with a history of aviation labor disputes in Kenya. Previous strikes have been centered on issues including proposed mergers, privatization plans, and collective bargaining agreements. In 2019, a major strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi was related to a proposed merger between Kenya Airways and the KAA. Another strike in 2024 protested a privatization deal. Historically, the Kenyan government has responded to such actions by obtaining court orders to declare them illegal and deploying security forces to maintain operations.

Airport Significance

Moi International Airport, with a capacity for 2.5 million passengers annually following recent upgrades, is a key asset for the nation's aviation infrastructure. In 2020, it was named the "Best Airport in Africa" for facilities with under 2 million passengers by Airports Council International. The current paralysis of operations threatens to undermine the airport's reputation and impact the country's growing air transport sector, which saw total passenger traffic reach 12.2 million in 2023. The resolution of the dispute between the workers' union and aviation authorities will be critical to restoring service at the vital coastal gateway.

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