On Monday, February 16, 2026, operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya were significantly disrupted following industrial action by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The strike stems from a long-standing labor dispute involving demands for improved pay, better working conditions, salary reviews, implementation of collective bargaining agreements, and the inclusion of contract workers in pensionable terms.
Impact on Flight Operations
The industrial action, which began early in the morning, primarily affected air traffic control (ATC) services. As a result, both departing and arriving flights experienced substantial delays. Some outbound flights were delayed by up to four hours or more, while others faced cancellations and last-minute schedule adjustments, leaving passengers stranded at the airport.
Kenya Airways (KQ) issued an official travel advisory stating:
“We are currently experiencing air traffic control operational delays at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), affecting certain departures and arrivals. Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status.”
Other regional carriers—including RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, and Precision Air—reported similar disruptions on flights to and from Nairobi.
Given JKIA’s critical role as a regional aviation hub connecting East Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and other international destinations, the disruptions have had a ripple effect across multiple routes.
Official Response
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) activated contingency measures aimed at safeguarding aviation operations and minimizing further disruption. Authorities described parts of the action as a “go-slow” while emphasizing that discussions are ongoing between union representatives, aviation authorities, and other stakeholders to resolve the dispute.
Negotiations remain in progress, and the situation continues to evolve.
Advice for Travelers
Passengers planning to travel through JKIA are strongly advised to:
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Contact their airline directly for real-time updates on flight status.
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Monitor official announcements from airlines and aviation authorities.
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Avoid proceeding to the airport without confirmed departure details.
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Consider postponing non-essential travel where possible.
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Review rebooking and refund options in case of cancellations.
While recovery efforts are underway, travelers should anticipate continued delays and potential schedule changes until a resolution is reached. Stay informed through reliable news outlets and official airline communication channels.
Safe travels.
