Jomo Kenyatta International Airport faces delays as aviation workers begin strike.

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 17, 2026 at 12:59 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport faces delays as aviation workers begin strike.

Kenya Aviation Workers Union members launched a strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; the move caused major flight delays at the African hub.

Key Takeaways

  • Kenya Aviation Workers Union members launched a strike at JKIA on Monday.
  • The labor dispute centers on demands for higher pay and better benefits.
  • Major flight delays are impacting operations at the primary African hub.
  • Kenya Airports Authority is currently negotiating to end the disruption.

A major strike started in Kenya today. Workers at the main airport stopped. This caused many long flight delays. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union led this. They represent many different airport staff.

The strike happened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This airport is a major hub. It serves millions of people yearly. Many flights are currently behind schedule. This affects travel across all of Africa.

Reasons for the Strike

Workers want more money and benefits. They also want better working conditions. The union and leaders had disputes. Talks did not solve the problems. Now, the workers are on strike.

This move affects many Kenya Airways flights. Other airlines are also seeing delays. Staff are not handling bags today. Security lines are moving very slowly. This creates a big safety risk.

Impact on Global Travel

JKIA is vital for African travel. It connects many countries and cities. Delays here affect the whole region. According to IATA, hubs must stay open. Closed hubs cause big financial losses.

Passengers are waiting in long lines. Some flights may be canceled soon. Airlines are working to help people. Staff are trying to manage crowds. Cargo flights are also facing delays. This hurts trade in East Africa.

What Happens Next?

The Kenya Airports Authority is talking. They want workers to return soon. Safety remains the top priority now. Travelers should check their flight status. The situation is changing very fast.

Experts hope for a quick deal. This will help restore normal operations. The union says they will stay. They will wait for a deal. The government is asking for peace. Aviation is key for the economy.

flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports. Track policy changes, airspace rules, and global aviation governance in the Regulatory category at flying.flights/regulatory.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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