Kenya’s main international airport has been hit by a strike that is disrupting flights and leaving passengers stuck for hours, with no clear indication of when normal operations will resume.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi was dealing with delays and cancellations Monday as airport workers continued their second day of industrial action. Some travellers spent the night at the airport after their flights were repeatedly pushed back or cancelled.

The strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union comes amid a dispute over labour issues, including an unresolved collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The union has also raised concerns about cooperation from the Kenya Airports Authority and Jambojet.

For passengers, the dispute has turned into a long wait for answers. Airlines are dealing with disrupted schedules while travellers face changes to departure times, cancelled flights and limited information about when they can continue their journeys.

The disruption is particularly significant for Nairobi, which serves as a key air travel hub for East Africa and connects Kenya with destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

Kenya airport strike disrupts flights

KAWU said its grievances include the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as well as what it described as a lack of cooperation from the Kenya Airports Authority and Jambojet.

The Kenya Airports Authority said some departing flights were delayed but did not give a reason. It urged passengers to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

Passengers stranded at Nairobi airport

For travellers, the dispute has meant hours of uncertainty. Rabbi Mendel Goldman, who was travelling to a wedding in Florida, said his flight was delayed several times before he was told it had been cancelled.

Goldman said he had spent about 12 hours at the airport and was told the earliest alternative flight was the following night. Other passengers also reported spending the night at JKIA while waiting for airline updates.

Kenya strike talks continue

KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union and government officials would continue talks after their Sunday meeting failed to settle the dispute.

The union said the strike would continue while negotiations were underway.

The Kenya Airports Authority operates Kenya’s main airports and is responsible for airport infrastructure and services, including JKIA, the country’s largest international airport.

The authority has said it is working with aviation agencies to manage the disruption.

The outcome of the talks will determine how quickly normal flight operations return. Until then, passengers travelling through Kenya should expect possible delays, cancellations and changes to their schedules.