Workers belonging to the Kenya Airline Workers Union (KAWU) have officially begun the strike announced a week ago, after the government failed to sit down at the negotiating table to renew their labor contract.
Since this morning, some flights have already been canceled and others have been severely delayed. It is expected that international arrivals may also be affected in the coming hours.
The situation is ongoing. The airport authority has confirmed the union action and the first operational problems at Nairobi airport. For now, there is no news on the regularity of operations in Mombasa and other national airports. It should be remembered that last week, after the unions issued an ultimatum on the likely strike, the Nairobi Court suspended their decision, deeming the strike illegal.
The official traffic information chat rooms issued this statement: "Flight delays have been reported at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), although the reasons for the disruption remain unclear. A strike called by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026, has been blocked by the Labor Court, preventing the union action from taking place. Although it has not been confirmed that the delays are related to labor disputes, passengers should expect potential operational slowdowns, including extended boarding or ground times for aircraft.
Notice: Travelers departing from or arriving at JKIA are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. It is recommended that you allow for longer travel times and closely monitor official airline communications for real-time updates. In the event of delays on board, passengers should promptly seek clarification from cabin crew.
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