Flight delays were reported at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport following a workers’ strike that disrupted departures and arrivals on 16 February 2026.
Flight operations at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s primary international gateway, experienced significant disruption on Monday, 16 February 2026, following industrial action by aviation workers. The strike resulted in delays to both departures and arrivals, affecting passengers and airline schedules.
Strike action and operational impact
The industrial action was initiated by members of the aviation workers’ union in response to unresolved grievances, including the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority attempted to obtain a court injunction to prevent the strike. However, union officials proceeded with the industrial action, stating that no formal court order had been issued to halt the strike.
Airline schedule disruption
Kenya Airways and Tanzania’s Precision Air reported that air traffic control delays were affecting flight schedules operating through JKIA during the disruption period.
The situation highlights the importance of aviation personnel in maintaining normal airport operations and demonstrates the potential operational impact of labour disputes on air transport.
SOURCE: REUTERS IMAGE ©: JKIA
