National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has warned passengers of flight delays exceeding six hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following the ongoing industrial action by aviation workers, which has disrupted operations at airports across the country.
The airline confirmed on Monday, August 31, that the strike had created a significant flight backlog, forcing it to reschedule and cancel some flights as it worked to manage the disruption.
“We are experiencing delays of more than 6 hours, and due to the flight backlog, we have had to reschedule and cancel some flights,” Kenya Airways stated in a customer update.
The airline advised passengers booked on its flights to confirm their travel status before heading to the airport, warning them against making unnecessary trips amid the disruptions.
Passengers have been directed to check their flight status through the Kenya Airways website or KQ Mobile App before travelling. The airline also encouraged customers to update their contact information through its Manage Booking platform to ensure they receive the latest flight notifications.
Travellers affected by the disruption have also been allowed to make changes to their travel plans without incurring penalties. “Customers who would like to change/reschedule their flights can do so without penalty,” KQ stated.
The carrier maintained that its teams were working around the clock to manage the backlog and minimise the impact of the industrial action on passengers as the situation continues to evolve.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) separately confirmed that the disruption to Air Traffic Control (ATC) services was continuing to affect flight operations at JKIA. In a status update issued on Monday, KAA warned that some flights were experiencing delays and cancellations, urging passengers to contact their respective airlines and confirm their flight status before travelling to the airport.
KAA also stated that it was working closely with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to mitigate the operational impact of the disruption and facilitate the safe, secure and orderly operation of the airport.
The latest disruption follows industrial action by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), who initially began with a go-slow before escalating the action into a strike. KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema confirmed during a press briefing on Sunday, August 30, that members had formally commenced the strike in the morning.
“We wish to inform the public and the users of our services rendered by our members that, effective this morning, our members went on strike, more specifically. This is Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority,” Ndiema stated.
Workers under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and other aviation stakeholders are participating in the industrial action. They are pushing for improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
The industrial action has disrupted flight operations, with airlines forced to delay, reschedule and, in some cases, cancel flights as the resulting backlog continues to affect airport operations. Passengers were left stranded at airports across the country from Sunday evening as the disruption began affecting scheduled flights.
With the situation still evolving, Kenya Airways has urged travellers to avoid going to the airport unless they have confirmed their flights. The airline has also apologised for the inconvenience caused, maintaining that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
KAA similarly expressed regret over the disruption and assured passengers that it was working with aviation stakeholders to minimise its effects while maintaining safe airport operations.
