Travel chaos erupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi as workers staged a surprise strike, bringing operations to a standstill. The sudden industrial action left passengers stranded for hours, with flights delayed or canceled entirely. The strike was organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which represents a significant portion of the airport’s workforce, including security staff, ground handlers, and maintenance crews. The workers are demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and more job security.
The disruption affected both domestic and international flights, with many travelers expressing frustration at the lack of communication from airlines. Crowds of passengers filled the airport terminals, trying to rebook flights or seek information. The strike also created a backlog of baggage, with many passengers leaving the airport without their luggage. For those traveling long distances, the strike meant missed connections and a scramble to find alternative flights. Many tourists expressed concerns about their travel plans, particularly since JKIA is a key gateway to Kenya’s renowned safari parks and beach resorts.
Negotiations between the union and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) are ongoing, with both sides blaming each other for the disruption. The union accused the KAA of failing to address workers’ grievances despite several warnings, while the KAA criticized the timing of the strike, saying it came during a critical period for tourism. Passengers are being urged to check with their airlines for updates, but with no immediate end to the strike in sight, uncertainty continues to loom over the airport’s operations.
