World News

Aviation strike disrupts flights and leaves travelers stranded at Kenya's main airport

A work slow-down by aviation workers over working conditions and labor agreements enters its second day at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 11:23 UTC2 reports

The short version

A labor strike by aviation workers, including air traffic control personnel, has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a second day.
Union negotiations with airport managers and government officials failed to yield an agreement on Sunday, with further talks scheduled for Monday.
Airlines including Kenya Airways and RwandAir have reported severe delays and canceled several flights due to air traffic control limitations.

Aviation sector employees represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers' Union are engaging in a nationwide work slow-down to demand better working conditions and a collective bargaining agreement.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
Negotiations on Sunday between union representatives, airport administrators, and government officials ended without a resolution.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
Kenya Airways reported flight delays exceeding six hours and canceled multiple departures due to industrial action by air traffic controllers.[BBC News]
RwandAir canceled multiple flights citing operational constraints affecting air traffic control services in Nairobi.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
The Kenya Aviation Workers' Union expressed opposition to a proposed plan to deploy youth volunteers as airport staff.[Deutsche Welle]

The timeline for resolving the dispute remains uncertain as a new round of negotiations was scheduled for Monday following Sunday's failed talks.[BBC News]