By Ukumbi Afrika 
Monday, 31st August 2026
Nairobi—Flight delays at Kenya’s main international airport affected thousands of travellers on Monday as a go-slow by aviation workers entered its second day, with the main union saying negotiations with authorities were continuing.
The Kenya Aviation Workers' Union (KAWU) said the industrial action at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) stems from several unresolved grievances, including the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The union also accused the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Airways subsidiary Jambojet of failing to cooperate in resolving outstanding labour issues.
KAA said on Sunday that some flights were experiencing delays but did not disclose the reasons. KAA, KCAA and Jambojet had not responded to requests for comment by Monday, according to Reuters.
The disruption has left travellers facing lengthy delays and cancellations at JKIA. Some passengers told Reuters they had spent more than 12 hours at the airport waiting for information about their flights.
Rwanda's national carrier RwandAir also cancelled two flights between Kigali and Nairobi, citing air traffic control challenges at the Nairobi airport.
The disruption has also affected other Kenyan airports, with reports of passengers being stranded overnight and airlines arranging hotel accommodation for some travellers.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union and government officials met on Sunday but failed to resolve the dispute.
The two sides were expected to resume discussions at 11 a.m. on Monday, while the strike remained in effect.
The renewed action follows an earlier labour dispute that was temporarily suspended after a government-brokered framework agreement in July. The latest strike underscores continuing tensions over pay, collective bargaining and employment conditions within Kenya's aviation sector.
JKIA is Kenya's principal international aviation gateway and an important regional hub. Prolonged disruption could affect tourism, business travel, cargo movement and regional airline connections, increasing pressure on authorities to reach a settlement quickly.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Monicah Mwangi, Humphrey Malalo and Vincent Mumo Nzilani
Writing: George Obulutsa
Editing: Ammu Kannampilly and Christopher Cushing