KAA activates contingency plans as labor dispute delays JKIA flights

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 16, 2026 at 06:44 PM UTC, 2 min read

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

KAA activates contingency plans as labor dispute delays JKIA flights

Kenya Airports Authority activated contingency plans at JKIA on Monday; a labor dispute between workers and the KCAA is causing departing flight delays.

Key Takeaways

  • KAA activates emergency protocols at JKIA hub.
  • Labor dispute causes significant departing flight delays.
  • Passengers advised to verify status with airlines.
  • CEO Dr. Mohamud Gedi confirms safety commitment.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced delays. These delays affect departing flights today. They happen at Jomo Kenyatta International. A labor dispute caused these disruptions. The dispute involves the aviation union. It also involves the aviation regulator.

Labor Dispute Details

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union leads. They are in a major dispute. This involves the Kenya Civil Aviation. Workers want new salary reviews now. They also want better contract terms. Negotiations failed after a seven-day notice.

The union represents many airport workers. This includes ground staff and technicians. Their strike notice expired on Monday. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema spoke. He said the strike is necessary. Workers have waited for many years. They want fair pay and benefits.

Operational Response

KAA activated its contingency plans immediately. These plans help manage airport operations. They aim to reduce passenger trouble. Kenya Airways warned of flight changes. Jambojet also reported several flight delays. Travelers should check their flight status.

The IATA monitors regional flight safety. Flight delays can impact global schedules. JKIA is a major African hub. Many international flights connect through Nairobi. Delays here affect many other countries. KAA is trying to minimize this.

Leadership Statement

Dr. Mohamud Gedi signed the statement. He is the KAA CEO. Gedi confirmed a focus on safety. Operational standards remain a top priority. KAA is working with all stakeholders. They want to resolve the dispute.

Security at the airport remains high. KAA ensures all safety protocols work. They are using emergency staff today. This helps keep the airport open. Some flights are still taking off. However, many departures are late now.

Economic Context

President William Ruto met US officials. They discussed trade and security ties. Stable airports are vital for trade. Kenya and India are maritime neighbors. They share strong trade and investment. Airport stability supports these global partnerships.

The government is watching the situation. Labor officials are trying to help. They want to end the strike. A quick resolution is very important. It protects Kenya's reputation for travel. It also helps the local economy.

Visit flying.flights for the latest commercial aviation news and airline industry updates. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.

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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